JANICE LOLLIS PARKER LANCASTER's Obituary
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA –
Janice Lollis Parker Lancaster, 88, entered peacefully into Heaven on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Watson-Hunt Funeral Home in Perry, Georgia. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Haynesville with her son, Chip Lollis, and Reverend David Fisher officiating. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery immediately following the service. Flowers will be graciously accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Benton House of Aiken, Music Activities Fund, 530 Benton House Way, Aiken, South Carolina, 29803.
Born Janice Louise Harvey on February 9, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Mildred Archer Harvey and Howard Freeland Harvey, Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sally Hohl; her brother, Hank Harvey; her husband, Charles Lancaster; and her beloved first husband, U. S. Army Maj. Charles W. Lollis, who sacrificed his life in Vietnam. Also preceding her in death was her infant grandson, Charles W. “Trey” Lollis, III, beside whom she will be interred.
Janice was known throughout her life for her musical gifts which were recognized early in childhood. As a teen, she studied at the prestigious Philadelphia Curtis Institute of Music and was trained by a Julliard professor. She subsequently graduated from Bob Jones University where she met and married Maj. Lollis. Janice became an accomplished pianist, organist, vocalist, teacher, writer, and composer and always used her talents for the glory of the Lord. Her song “One Day at Time” (recorded by George Beverly Shea) was written in response to the difficulties of life as a military wife in Alaska and captures how she fully trusted her Savior, no matter the circumstances. Her music ministry spanned a remarkable 80 years, and she continued to joyously lead worship and entertain when she moved into assisted living at the age of 86.
Throughout her life, Janice unabashedly shared the hope of Christ. She bravely spoke up for those who could not. She generously served the underserved. She lifted those who were weak and pointed them to the source of her joy and strength. Lives were changed because of her witness. Her bright smile, contagious laugh, and passion for life brought joy to all who knew her. She delighted in simple things, like a cut camellia bloom on her windowsill, the cotton fields on a country road, or a bowl of black raspberry ice cream with pretzels. She loved celebrating, no matter the occasion, and often made one up just to bring people together.
As a Philadelphia native, she loved family reunions in nearby Ocean City, New Jersey, with her countless family members who came from all over the United States. Even at the most recent reunion in 2022, she was never too tired for a trip to the bustling boardwalk for a frozen custard with “jimmies” or a ride on the carousel with her adored extended family. This gathering continues to honor the example of family unity and faith set by Janice’s parents. Janice’s greatest joys, by far, were her children as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved spending time with their fun “Janma.” She was their biggest cheerleader, no matter what they pursued.
Left to cherish the memories they made with Janice are her children, Janice Lollis Nix (David) of Aiken, South Caolina, Charles “Chip” Lollis (Natalie) of Perry, Georgia, Sandi Lollis Shields (Keith) of Perry, Georgia, David Lollis (Hope) of Opelika, Alabama, and Catherine Parker Brown (Chris) of Franklin, Tennessee; her sister, Lillian Harshaw; her sister-in-law, Harriett Harvey; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her former husband, Ed Parker; her Parker and Lancaster stepchildren; and many adored nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
The family wishes to offer their sincerest thanks and gratitude to the incredible staff at Benton House of Aiken, South Carolina, for their loving care and encouraging support over the past two years.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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