Janice Ruth Steedley Douglas, a beloved matriarch of Homerville, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday afternoon, February 3, 2026, at Riverbrook HealthCare following a courageous battle with illness. Born in Homerville to the late Jesse James Steedley and Minda Steedley, Janice dedicated her life to her family and community, leaving behind a legacy of love and service.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Janice was known as a Prayer Band Warrior, actively involved in her faith at the New Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church. She was the last charter member of the Homerville Congregational Methodist Church. Mrs. Douglas generously opened her home to missionaries and evangelists, embodying her love for Church Missions. Her passion for nurturing others extended to her role as a Sunday School Teacher and her heartfelt card ministry, where she brought joy and encouragement to many.
Janice also cherished her time as a Brownie Scout Troop Leader and a leader in her son’s Cub Scouts Wolf pack #427, positively influencing the lives of countless children. Known for her culinary talents, she was a homemaker who created a warm and inviting environment for her family and friends.
She now joins her beloved husband, Elroy Douglas, along with her father and mother, Jesse James Steedley and Minda Steedley, her stepmother, Edna Fullwood Steedley, and her six sisters: Juanell Mattox, Lola Mae Lee, Iris Smith, Dartha Guess, Sarah Griffin, and Jeraldine Chapman, as well as her brothers Ransom Steedley and James Earl Steedley, who preceded her in death.
Janice's spirit will continue to live on through her loving family. She is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law, James E. “Jimmy” and Judy Douglas of Homerville, and her cherished daughters and sons-in-law, Minda and Terry McCants of Butler, GA, and JaNice and Ric Holmes of Cleveland, SC. The joy of her life came from her four grandchildren, Jill, Jed, Jonathan, and Jay, and her twelve great-grandchildren, Dowry, Caroline, Catherine, Jude, Frank, Philip, Aidan, Caroline, Micah, Ellie, Olivia, and Isaac who filled her heart with happiness.
She is also lovingly remembered by her brother and sister-in-law, Jesse Reavis and Debbie Steedley of Homerville, her sister Robin Jewell of Homerville, as well as her special caregivers and friends: Sandra Kelsaw, Sybil Guess, JoAnn Lacey, Patti Herrin, Lanora Rouse, and Elva Lee Dickerson, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many other relatives who cherished her deeply.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Janice's remarkable life at a funeral service Saturday morning, February 7, 2026, at 11 am at Homerville Congregational Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Pine Forest Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 10 am until 11 am at the church.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the Administration, Staff, and all employees of Riverbrook HealthCare and Georgia Hospice for their love and care for their mother.
Sympathy may be expressed at www.roundtreefuneralhome.net.
Roundtree Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Homerville Congregational Methodist Church
Homerville Congregational Methodist Church
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