Janice Juanita Parker

Janice “Poochie” Parker 85, of Suffolk, Va. transitioned Sunday, January 4, 2026 peacefully in her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Big Eye” Parker; her parents, Arizona B. Jones and Sidney H. Jones, Sr.; 5 sisters, Rachel Joyner, Willie Mary Cross, Ernestine Jones, Elizabeth Foreman, and Bessie Watson; 2 brothers, Sidney H. Jones, Jr. and Jasper Jones.

Janice graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Suffolk, Va. and The Louise Obici Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Before Janice decided to go to nursing school, she worked in the Dietary Department at Obici Hospital. She did this until she answered her call to become a nurse, and this is when she went on to attend and finish Nursing School. Janice went above and beyond for all of her patients, and they certainly felt her love and compassion toward them. Janice devoted 36 years to serving as a nurse at Obici Hospital, compassionately caring for countless patients and training generations of nurses over the years. Janice loved her profession as a nurse and she was often called upon by family members and friends to get medical advice; she knew more than many doctors.

Janice had a deep love for ministry and was a dedicated and devoted member of Tabernacle Christian Church, where Bishop Carlton R. Upton Sr. is the pastor. Janice faithfully served as President of the Deaconess Ministry for 15 years, the Sunday School Department, and as a member of the Nursing Ministry. She cherished her church and her church family, and she found great joy in serving others — and she served them well. Janice was a firm believer in serving others. Janice continued to go and visit those who were sick even after she broke her leg and had to use a walker to remain mobile. Janice loved worshipping on Sunday mornings and she enjoyed setting up for Communion; she took that responsibility very seriously. Janice loved God with her whole heart, and this was evidenced by her constant statement, “I want to live right and please God.” Her main goal was to make sure that she was pleasing in God’s eyesight. Janice loved reading her “Daily Bread” Devotional booklet along with her Bible as a reference for what she read in her “Daily Bread” booklet. Although she loved church, and ministry work/service, her main goal and top priority was to please God.

Janice leaves to cherish her memories, 2 daughters, Angela Hicks of Suffolk, Va. and Janell Price (John) of Petersburg, Va. 1 sister, Doretha Holland of Greensboro North Carolina.; 3 grandchildren, Brittany (Javonte), Jeffrey, and Sierra (Leila); 5 great grandchildren, Jaylen, Jaidah, Joshua, Jaiden, and Janiya, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing”. Rest well, Janice, rest well.

A viewing will be held 5-7 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. A celebration of life will be held at noon, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 2635 E. Washington Street, Suffolk, Virginia 23434. She will be laid to rest in Caver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.