Ms. Janice Ferguson

Janice Ferguson was born after the Great Depression to Charlotte and Lee Caradine. She learned to be tough when Lee Caradine insisted that she and her brother Richard were expected to get water at the local well every morning. At age 16, Janice sat in on a Bible study her cousin was having, and was shocked to learn God's name, Jehovah! She was disappointed that she had gone to church for years and they hadn't taught her God's name. The year 1965 was a momentous time for Janice; she moved to Wisconsin from Mississippi and she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Thus began a very full life for Janice. She had a strong sense of responsibility due to her early life and got a job, raised her daughter and participated regularly in her door-to-door ministry. An early recollection of her was when they came to the old Atkinson congregation. She was one of the nicest, sweetest sisters in the congregation. Since then she developed a reputation as a very faithful, dedicated servant of Jehovah while attending different congregations. Finally she became associated with the Mequon Congregation from the late 1980s until the present. In the words of Bro. Moncree Coleman, who has known her forever, "Sis. Smith fought on that battlefield for a long time," making reference to her longtime faithful service. Really isn't that what brings Jehovah's approval? 1 Cor 4:2 " ... what is expected of stewards is that they be found faithful." Tragically, Janice lost her husband John Ferguson in death in 1991. However, her desire to serve Jehovah remained as strong as ever and, while keeping spiritual interests first in her life, continued to raise her daughter Jaque1ine and even earned a college degree. Then Brother Lee Smith came into her life and for two years she proudly carried his name, preferring to be known as Sister Smith. Sadly, Brother Smith then fell asleep in death. After a terrible accident Janice's health deteriorated rapidly, and although her daughter, Jacqueline provided the care she needed Janice succumbed to her compound illnesses and finished her race for life on November 18, 2022. What a loss to those of us who knew her and loved her. Especially painful is that loss felt by her grandson Jordan and her loving daughter Jacqueline.

Ms. Janice Ferguson

August 10, 1944 - November 20, 2022