Janice Thornsberry

Janice Sue Thornsberry, nee Harkrader, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on October 12, 2021, at Rush Specialty Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi from complications resulting from her 3.5-year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. She was 72 years old. Her husband of 53 years was by her side as she took her first steps in heaven.

She was born in Gladwin, Michigan to Leonard Harkrader and Leah Sweeney. She married James D. Thornsberry on August 17, 1968, in Gladwin, Michigan. She loved the changing of seasons, with fall being her favorite. She expressed her creativity by designing and cross-stitching exquisite Christmas stockings for family. She also enjoyed football, reading, camping and bonfires with family and friends.

She was devoted to her children and spent many years caring for children (including special needs children) through the leading of her heart. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse: Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Jan is survived by her husband, Jim, her daughter Kimberly Anne (Thornsberry) Kelsey of West Branch, Michigan, her daughter, Karin Marie (Thornsberry) Gibelyou of Russell, Mississippi, her son, Jonathan James Thornsberry of Midland, Michigan, her grandson, Kevin Patrick Kelsey of West Branch, Michigan, her granddaughters Lacey Marie Gibelyou and Leah Magdalene Gibelyou, both of Russell, Mississippi, and her great-granddaughter, Zoe Marie Gibelyou of Russell, Mississippi. She is also survived by her sister Carol (Harkrader) Krahner of Gladwin, Michigan, her brother and sister-in-law Craig and Bonnie Harkrader of Shepherd, Michigan, and by her many nephews and nieces. All of these she loved deeply.

Plans are incomplete at this writing; however, a private cremation is planned, with a remembrance service to be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 2:00 pm at NorthPark Church,7770 Highway 39 North, Meridian, Mississippi,39305. Arrangements were made through the James F. Webb Funeral Home, and Pastor Jim Feirtag of NorthPark Church will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family, or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Arrangements for a donation to the family can be made by contacting Kimberly at kthornkelsey@gmail.com.

Donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation can be made via the following link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pulfibfou/?_ga=2.202824210.2076778176.1634092922-679226197.1634092922

Information on the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and Pulmonary Fibrosis can be found here:

https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/docs/default-source/programs/educational-materials/about-the-pff-brochure/about-pff-brochure---2-22-21.pdf?sfvrsn=6982ed91_6