Janice Chavis

Janice Marie Hester, beloved daughter of the late George Dewey Hester and the late Dorothy Louise Hester, graced this world on May 20, 1952, in Durham, North Carolina, and peacefully departed this life on October 4, 2023.

Janice was a proud graduate of Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC. She embarked on a remarkable journey when she met the love of her life through mutual friends, and after a year of dating, they sealed their love in marriage on November 24, 1972. From this loving union, two wonderful children, Edward, and Marissa, were born, whom she cherished with all her heart.

With an unwavering commitment to learning, Janice pursued her education at Johnson C. Smith University, where she studied Biology. Her innate desire to serve others led her to a fulfilling career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Methodist Home Senior Center. Beyond her professional pursuits, Janice had an exceptional talent for cooking. She transformed her passion into a successful entrepreneurial venture, publishing her own cookbook and achieving great success in sales. After dedicating years of service, Janice retired from Lance Packing Company in 1992. Retirement did not slow down Janice's zest for life. During summer seasons, she found joy working at Carowinds within the season pass department, where she assisted visitors in creating unforgettable memories at the amusement park while forging lifelong friendships. Both she and her husband generously volunteered as youth minster and chaperones for Campus Connections, their mission was to enhance awareness among these young individuals about the educational and cultural prospects awaiting them at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

In her precious spare time, she indulged in cherished activities such as spending quality moments with her sisters, engaging with her beloved family, exploring new destinations through travel, delving into the pages of books, nurturing her garden, honing her sewing skills, and sharing laughter-filled conversations with friends and family over the phone. Her culinary talents continued to shine, bringing delight to those fortunate enough to savor her creations.

Janice's deep faith in God led her to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1968 at the Institutional Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. She continued her spiritual journey at Faith C.M.E., Bread of Life Ministry, and later became a cherished member of BeBlessed Ministries Int. Her faith illuminated her path, providing strength and love to all fortunate enough to know her. Her warmth, kindness, and enduring grace touched the hearts of everyone she encountered, leaving a lasting impression that will be cherished forever.

Janice's legacy of love extends to her loving children, Edward, and Marissa, who were a constant source of joy and laughter in her life. Her unwavering love, care, and dedication in raising them will forever be treasured.

Janice leaves behind a family and a community that will forever cherish her memory. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Chavis of Charlotte, NC; her beloved son, Edward Chavis of Charlotte, NC; her cherished daughter, Marissa Chavis of Decatur, GA; her dear sister, Elizabeth Mayo (Leonard) of Hillsborough, NC; her loving sister, Cheryl Hester of Cary, NC; her brother-in-law, Phillip Chavis (Pat) of Durham, NC; her godmother, Ophelia Houston of Charlotte, NC; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, god sisters, god son, and countless other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her dear brother, Cephus Hester; her beloved sister, Carmen Hester; her cherished brother, Lawrence Hester; and her adored sister, Dorothy Warren.