Janice Leigh Withers, born May 18, 1937, passed away January 11, 2020. She was a retired registered nurse, member of the Cynthiana Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Whitesburg, Kentucky.
A proud 1955 alumna of Cynthiana High School, Janice attended Kentucky Baptist Hospital of Nursing, graduating in 1958. Janice, with her best friend Peggy Winn (Banks), boldly answered a call to work at Miners’ Memorial Hospital Association in Whitesburg, Kentucky, for a chance to improve the lives and healthcare of underserved patients in southeastern Kentucky. This choice forever changed her life and the lives of countless others. Janice embraced the challenge and became a fierce champion for those who had none: women, children and miners.
After her time in Whitesburg, Janice returned to her beloved Cynthiana, serving the healthcare needs of her community. She was active in the Cynthiana High School Alumni Association and her church, and was a dedicated, selfless friend to all she knew.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Willoughby Withers and Martha (Adams) Browning; her step-father, Willard Browning and her brother, Dr. Joseph Withers. She is survived by her beloved daughters, Karien Maggard and Belinda Jo Maggard, both of Lexington, Kentucky; her sister, Judy (Donnie) Florence of Cynthiana, Kentucky and her devoted longtime companion, Orville Fowler of Cynthiana, Kentucky. She was a much loved “Mimi” to her grandchildren, Kara (Ethan) Holifield of Boise, Idaho and Dalton (Alyssa) Adams of San Diego, California and to her great-grandchildren, Jordan, Chance, Honor, Gracie and Everlee. In addition, Janice is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family who were friends and friends who were family.
A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, January 18th at 12:00 PM at Ware Funeral Home by Jeremy Northcutt with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the MCTC Foundation, 319 Webster Avenue, Cynthiana, Kentucky 41031. View and sign the guestbook at www.warefuneralhome.com