Janice Lynette Granberry

Janice Lynette McGoogan Granberry, 89, of Bossier City, LA passed away peacefully in her home on September 14, 2023, from metastatic breast cancer. Visitation and funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 19, at 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. respectively at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1944 Airline Dr, Bossier City, LA.

Janice was born to Robert Bruce McGoogan and Ellen Mae Tomlinson McGoogan in Brunswick, GA on January 5, 1934. Her childhood included a love of the beach, baby dolls, and playing tennis. When she began dating as a teenager, her brother, Joe, was often the designated chaperone, which was apparently a challenging assignment because "Janice loved boys". She graduated high school and began attending Georgia Teacher's College with the intent of one day teaching physical education. This plan was sidetracked when she was picked up hitchhiking by a young Airman Henry "Cotton" Granberry who ultimately became her husband. Her first daughter, Ashlei Ann, was mentally challenged, and that made being a full-time Mom more than a full-time job! Twelve years later, after receiving approval to adopt a child, she became pregnant with her second child, Shelbi Lynne. As a stay-at-home Mom, she cooked dinner nightly (6 pm sharp!), sewed clothing for both girls (and many other folks), and participated in all of the school and church activities.

Her home was a haven for stray cats and stray humans alike. She loved animals of all kinds but especially loved having pet cats (usually multiple) and a dog. In her later years she and a dear friend, Evelyn Snow, were known to all the dogs at Mike Wood Park for their daily walks which included pausing to pass dog treats through the fences to and visit with the dogs (sometimes the humans too). She was always generous with her time and willing to share her blessings with others. Janice was a long-time member of Trinity Presbyterian Church (formerly John Knox). She served teaching Bible School, working on various mission projects (including many hours with other church members sewing quilts for Providence House graduates), preparing meals, organizing and assisting with the church rummage sales, and decorating for holidays and events.

The Lark Street neighborhood was filled with children and adults who found her home a welcome place for after-school snacks, neighborhood fish fry, "Avon Coffees", and, of course, card games. Janice was VERY competitive when it came to cards and could be seen tossing the cards on the table and exclaiming "We might as well not even count" when the current game of Hand and Foot was not going in her favor.

Janice also enjoyed gardening--surrounding the house with and filling the flower beds with plants. Cotton was in the doghouse if he accidentally damaged a plant while performing yard work. She supervised all chainsaw activities and movement of plants in the yard. Wintertime meant placing old bed sheets around immovable large plants and hauling the rest to the greenhouse or porch.

Shopping was another enjoyable activity for Janice. Goodwill, yard sales, and department stores alike were sources for finding the next treasure. When she would ask Shelbi if she wanted to go shopping with her, Shelbi always asked if was for sewing materials (not preferred) or something else.

Some ways Janice expressed her love for Ashlei and Shelbi included every Christmas and birthday was celebrated with parties and homemade gifts as well as toys and other requests. Until about age 12, Shelbi received a doll for Christmas every year with a complete hand-sewn wardrobe and often hand-constructed furniture from Mom and Dad.

Janice was truly a HOMEMAKER in every sense and definition of the word.

And then came the grandchildren...Lauren's "Tata", as she dubbed her early on, sewed numerous dresses and costumes for her, created crafts with her, and would fawn over her blond curly hair. Samantha had matching dresses with Lauren, continued the crafting projects, and was the only family member who ALMOST got a compliment for a new tattoo or questionable outfit. Aaron arrived on the scene as a little version of his Granddaddy. She was smitten with him from day one. Attending his high school graduation was one of her last goals when the cancer returned, and they both made that happen!

Just when she thought grandchildren were the most wonderful people on the planet, along came great-grandson, Binh Henry. His life brought her so much joy! Every conversation included tales of Henry's adorable, smart, and joyous nature. Even how she "fussed" at him for propping his baby feet on the dining table.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers R.B. and Wesley McGoogan, her spouse Henry "Cotton" Granberry, and her daughter, Ashlei. She is survived by her brother, Joe McGoogan of Brunswick, Ga; Daughter, Shelbi Landry, of Bossier City, LA; grandchildren Lauren Vo (Binh) and great-grandson, Binh Henry; Samantha Landry, and Aaron Landry; and a huge extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Honoring Janice as pallbearers will be, Aaron Landry (grandson); Marty Acosta, Brett Fetty, Martin Granberry (nephew), David Hyde, and Robert Tucker

So many friends, family, nurses, and doctors cared for her in her life and death, and she was grateful for all of them. Shelbi wishes to specifically thank Dr. Robert Savory for his years of caring for her mom. Mom thought he was the best doctor ever and a "genuinely fine human being."

Please consider donating to your local animal shelter in Janice's honor or adopting a homeless pet if you are able.