She is preceded in death by her father, Manuel Lopez; her mother, Guadalupe Lopez; and her brother, Manuel Lopez, Jr.
Janie was born on October 22, 1948, in Brownsville, Texas, and began her education at J.T. Canales Elementary School in Brownsville. Her family soon moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where she continued her education at Zavala Elementary School, Ella Barnes Junior High and Miller High School, where she graduated in 1968. With her secretary certification in hand, Janie became a secretary for the Texas Department of Child Protective Services. During this time, she had three beautiful daughters, Monica, Nancy and Norma.
Raising three daughters on her own was a financial struggle, so Janie decided to go back to college to further her education and expand her career options. In 1986, she received an Associate’s Degree from Del Mar College. She quickly returned to work for the state as a social worker, and she enjoyed helping others. Janie eventually retired from the Texas Department of Human Services in May of 2002, and at the age of 55, she became a substitute teacher for the Corpus Christi Independent School District. She truly enjoyed working with high school students, although she did substitute in elementary when needed. When she could no longer work as a substitute in the schools, she began to volunteer, most recently she volunteered at the Hamlin Middle School Library.
Janie’s first love and primary devotion was to God. As a young adult, she was a member of Templo Bautista, where she served the Lord alongside her parents and sister. Later she became a member of El Mesias Baptist Church, where she loved serving in various committees, including leading the Girls in Action. She also served as church secretary and church treasurer while a member there. Janie eventually became a member of Primera Iglesia Bautista of Corpus Christi, where she continued to serve as a member of the Women’s Missionary Union-Dorcas Group. She especially enjoyed working in the kitchen providing meals for various church events. Janie also loved working with Compañerismo Numero Uno and served in various committees over the years.
Janie is survived by her daughters: Monica (David) Martinez, Nancy (Victor) Maldonado, and Norma Gonzalez. She leaves behind five grandchildren: Eduardo Maldonado, Luke Anthony Kirchner, Victor Maldonado, Veronica Martinez and Yvette Martinez. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Ignacio and Lydia Lopez; sister and brother-in-law, Felipa and George Wilmot; sister-in-law, Olivia Lopez; many nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own children; and her beloved companion dog, Luka.
Public visitation will be held Sunday, September 19, at 5 pm at the Funeraria del Angel Funeral Home, 3442 Holly Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas, with a memorial service to be held at 7 pm. Funeral service will be held Monday, September 20, at 10 am at Primera Iglesia Bautista, 1509 Tarlton St., Corpus Christi, Texas. Internment will follow at Memory Gardens, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas.
