Janice R. Bearden, 85, of Frankfort and formerly of Wichita Falls, TX died July 6, 2023 at Wesley Manor.  She was born September 21, 1937 in Ann Arbor, MI to James R. Smith and Ruth A. (Waggner) Smith Thomas.  She was previously married to Matthew Allen Bearden.

Janice was homeschooled, received her GED and earned her Bachelor degree in Elementary Education/Social Services from Midwestern State University.   She was a teacher and a teachers-aid.  She was a member of Victory Chapel. Janice was an avid reader of the Bible and enjoyed listening to hymns, and doing arts and crafts.  When she was younger, she crocheted afghans that she would bless her family with.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Victory Chapel, 196 Lewis Smith Drive, Frankfort. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Park.

Survived by:

Daughters: Margaret (Phil) Hill of Frankfort, IN, Carol S. Couture of Burkburnett, TX, Charlene “Charlie” (Wynn) Penfield of Holbrook, AZ, Sons: James Robert Bearden of Pleasant Valley, IA, Glenn E. (Deanna) Bearden of Mount Pleasant, IA, Albert Bearden of Burkburnett, TX, Grandchildren: Janae & John Body, Naomi & Aaron Raeder, Wayne & Jonelle Hill, Kayla & Matthew Haerr, Candice Bearden, Blaine Bearden, Ryan Bearden, Kassie Couture, and David Hill, Great-Grandchildren: AJ, Natalie, Andrea, Ansel, Deklan, Devon, Braysen, Kendalyn, Kendrick and Scarlett

Preceded by:

son, Matthew A. Bearden, son-in-law, Pete Couture, grandson, Richard Couture and brother, Bob Smith