Janice LaVerne Hayes

Janice LaVerne Hayes, 74, of Williamsport, PA whom God called gently home to rest on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Fox Subacute at Mechanicsburg, PA.

Born October 20, 1944, in Brundidge Alabama, Janice was a daughter of the late Samuel Westworth Cooke, and LaVerne (Smith) Cooke-Fenn.

Janice was a 1962 graduate of Turner High School in Atlanta Georgia. After graduating, she worked as a certified nursing aid in various hospitals until her retirement. As a child, she attended Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and then Grace Life Fellowship in Williamsport, PA. Janice enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, and visiting with family.

She leaves to cherish her memory; a loving and devoted son, Daimyon Hayes of Brooklyn New York; five grandchildren, Dell Elliott, Darvelle Elliott, Shawntiara Hayes, Rodney Hayes Jr., and Rani Bailey Hayes; four great-grandchildren, Naseier Elliott, Jada Eliott, Nae’lani Elliott, and Joah Elliott; a brother, James Otis Fenn of New Jersey; and two sisters, Katherine Mckenzie of Decatur Georgia, and Regina Smith of Brooklyn New York; very special sister-in-law Julia Fenn; the mother of Janice's grandchildren Shawnique Green; close friends Catherine Gibson and Jeanette Harrison both of Williamsport, PA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Janice is preceded in death by a son, Rodney Shawn Hayes, a cousin Luie Odell Burney, and a close companion John Ridges.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday August 3 at Diamond Street Christian Church, 822 Diamond Street Williamsport, PA 17701. A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service at Diamond Street Christian Church.

A Message from Heaven

“Perhaps you aren’t ready yet

To have to say good-bye…

Perhaps you’ve thought of things

You wish you’d said—well so have I.

For one thing, I’d have told you

not to worry about me…

I’m with the Lord in Heaven now

You knew that’s where I’d be.

I’m sorry that you’re feeling sad,

For I’m so happy now…

I’ve asked the lord to ease the hurt

And comforting for you somehow.

It’s hard at the beginning,

But I know you’ll make it through.

I hope it helps to know,

That I’ll be here for you.”

The family of Janice would like to express their sincere and deep appreciation for each act of kindness, your phone calls, visits, cards, flowers, and most of all your prayers and love which provided strength and comfort for us.

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