Janice Lanell Smallwood

Janice L. Smallwood, 86, of Houston, Texas passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Harbor House (Hospice). Services will be in Huntsville, Texas on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. There will be a short visitation from 10am-11am, funeral service at 11am, and a graveside service following at Farris Cemetery. Janice is survived by her husband of 30 years Darrell Smallwood; son Gregg Bishop and granddaughters Jeannè, Amanda, and Callie; daughter Diana Coughlin and husband Shawn, granddaughter Lacey and grandson Shawn; daughter Debbie Hood and husband Sonny, grandsons John Tully and Bryan Tully and wife Courtney; stepson Alan Smallwood and wife Shelly. She is also survived by her great grandchildren: Quinton Tully, Blakely and Easton Tully, Kaiden Coughlin, Devynn and Cash Wise; bonus grandchildren: Courtney Bush and husband Preston, Christina Barnett and husband Brandon, Kelly Hood and husband Jason, Jimmy Hood and wife Rachell, Michelle Reed and husband JR, Joseph and wife Rhonda; and bonus great grandchildren: Laine and Callie Bush, Ella Barnett, Katrina Stidham, Paige McMillian, Ella Sumrall, Logan and Parker Hood, Hailey and Brooklyn Reed, Cheyenne, Cynthia, and Angela Hood. Janice is preceded in death by her parents Escar O. Pace and Newell V. Pace, brother Lloyd Pace, and stepdaughter Shannon Smallwood Lowrie. Janice was born on April 2, 1939, to Escar and Newell Pace in San Angelo, Texas. She graduated from San Angelo High School in 1957. Janice worked for Bank Texas in Houston for 21 years before retiring. Janice loved her family very deeply and treasured time together. Janice had a love for reading from a young age and particularly loved westerns by Elmer Kelton, books about Texas, gardening, and her hometown San Angelo, Texas. She loved gardening and seeing all the Texas wildflowers come to life every year. Janice was an excellent cook and spent many hours over the years teaching her children to master that talent. Janice loved music and was a talented piano player. As everyone knew, Janice was delicate and graceful and yet a little bit of a tomboy. She enjoyed fishing, pruning trees – you name it, she was not afraid to try it. Janice loved baseball, and you can be sure she did not miss an Astros game, come rain or shine. Her values were immeasurable and her commitment unwavering. Lastly, however, most importantly, she taught her children by example to be brave, strong, and never lose faith. A special thank you to all the staff at Harbor House (Hospice) for caring for our wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother in a most respectful and dignified manner.

Janice Lanell Smallwood

April 2, 1939 - February 11, 2026