Janice Marlena Colvin passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2018.

Janice Marlena Colvin (James) was born on October 6, 1946 to Robert and Bertha James (both deceased) in Akron, Ohio.  She was the second eldest of five children born to this union.  She was preceded in death by her brothers Robert and Kenneth James.  Janice attended Mt. Calvary Baptist church as a child where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior alongside her eldest brother Robert.

Janice was an avid reader, exceptional athlete, and an accomplished violinist.  She graduated from Akron South High School with honors.  Her thirst for knowledge, compassion and willingness to serve others caused her to pursue a career in nursing.   She attended Akron Practical School of Nursing and Hammel Business School.  She graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Nursing.  In 1991, she matriculated from Case Western Reserve University with a double master’s degree in Geriatrics and Mental Health.  Janice juggled and mastered the responsibilities of being a single mother, career woman and student.

Janice Colvin served as Program Manager for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Her desire to help others caused her to create the one of the first nationally recognized VASH programs to assist homeless veterans.  She was a fearless leader in the pursuit to reach this underserved population searching under the bridges of Northern Ohio.  She was the recipient of numerous awards to include the Regional Federal Recognition Award, for her leadership and efforts to enable homeless veterans to obtain medical psychiatric care.  She spent evening hours, on her own time in shelters, modeling her unique blend of leadership, persistence and compassion to all who worked with the homeless veterans.

Janice was a beautiful, caring, poised and intelligent woman.  She was a member of MENSA, National and Akron Black Nurses Associations, Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society for her excellence in the field of Nursing.  She also served as a local board member for Habitat for Humanity of Akron, Homeless Female Veteran Task Force, Community Advisory Board for Akron Council on Aging, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless.  She conducted five research studies, performed consulting work and served as keynote speaker for many healthcare symposiums.  Additionally, she published numerous healthcare periodicals, books, and brochures to educate healthcare professionals.

After her retirement she continued to serve the homeless population by volunteering at local feeding programs.  She worked for more than 20 years with North East Ohio College of Medicine in order to help further educate medical students within simulated clinical assessments.  She traveled locally playing the violin for the senior orchestra.

On September 25, 1971 she was marred to Ronnal W. Colvin and to this union three children were born, Ronnal, Ryan and Tiffany.

Janice was known for her faith, elegance and love.  She was a role-model, mentor, friend and prayer partner to many.  She was always loving and encouraging others.  She had a quiet spirit, and a radical faith.  She loved her children and grandchildren immensely.  She would take time to have devotions and encourage them daily.  Her favorite pastime was studying the bible, writing poetry, gardening, card making and praying for others.  She doted on her grandchildren and great granddaughter every chance she could.  She was a second mother to them and cared for them as though they were her own.

Janice exemplified excellence in everything she did.  She dedicated herself to teaching others about the love of Christ.  Over the years she involved herself with numerous ministries to include; ACOG Visitation Ministry, ACOG Choir and leadership team.

She additionally served her community by volunteering with numerous outreach ministries to include; Urban Vision, Evangel Temple Ministries, Billy Graham Ministries, Cathedral of Life Ministries, Women’s AGLOW, Community Fellowship Chapel, River of Life Ministries, and the House of the Lord.  She also gave generously to other local and national Christians organizations and orphanages.

On December 12, 2018 she was called to her eternal rest.  Her life, love and legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of her children, Ronnal, Ryan and Tiffany; grandchildren, Joy, Emmanuel and Elijah (twins); great granddaughter Layla Smith; Sisters, Marcia Stallworth, Jeanette Williams; honorary sons, Courtney Limerick and Vance Smith; special friend, Tammy Swint; special friend and caretaker, George Ann Webb.  She also leaves to cherish her life a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended Arlington Church of God family.