Dr. LeRoy Janies

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of LeRoy Janies, a loving husband, father and grandfather. Lee, age 93, entered eternal rest with Jesus on Saturday, April 5th, 2025. Lee shared 68 wonderful years in marriage with his devoted wife Joy Janies. Together, they built a legacy of love and resilience, raising two cherished children: Kevin Janies and Vicki Smith. Their joy multiplied by the gift of a grandchild: Marcus Smith. Lee’s faith and family were the cornerstones of his life. He relished his role as a dedicated husband, protecting father, and cherished grandfather, and a teacher and coach who always went the extra mile for his students and players, always offering help, warmth, and a listening ear to those in need. His spirit of serving and mentoring was matched only by his devotion to his faith, family and community. A pillar of his faith community, Lee was an active member of Ascension Baptist Church of Gonzales until disease preventing them from attending. He was a leader, teacher and mentor in all the churches they attended over their lifetimes. Lee is lovingly remembered and survived by his children, Vicki Smith and Kevin Janies; daughter-in-law, Debbie Janies; and grandchild, Marcus Smith. He joins in eternal peace and is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joy; his parents, Rev. Amadie Janies and Amanda Sonnier Janies; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Manuel Leach Sr and Pauline McGraw Leach. Many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, James Roach (Patsy), Curlie and Enola Janies, Earl and Lovinee Young, and Jim and Verna Johnson. Lee’s education included graduation from Chatagnier High School in 1950; a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana College in 1954 with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Science; received a Master of Arts from Washington University (St Louis) in 1960, as a National Science Foundation Fellow, with a major in science; attended Baylor University, the University of Virginia, Penn State University as a National Science Foundation Fellow; and received a Doctor of Education degree at Oklahoma State University in May 1969. A Celebration of Life service to honor Lee and Joy's life will be held at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales, La. April 10th 12-2PM. Lee will be buried in a private service for the family at Lusk Cemetery in Gonzales, La. In lieu of flowers, please give a memorial gift online to Healing Place Church – Ascension Campus, or a check to Healing Place Church at 19202 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. For the online gift or by check, please put in memo section “Lee and Joy Janies Memorial”. Lee’s life was a testament to faith, family, and unwavering kindness. He was always sharing about Jesus with everyone he encountered and helped mentor so many people in his lifetime. Lee and Joy shared much time, treasure and their spiritual gifts with those around them. He will be dearly missed, but his love and legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him. The family would like to thank Katherine Veals and Elaine Stokes for going above and beyond as Lee and Joy’s caregivers and newest members of our family. The Gonzales Fire Department for their assistance and treating us with the utmost dignity. Healing Place Church for always helping us with our yard, meals when needed, encouragements and visits and prayer. Nothing was too hard for them to do—such servants hearts. Thanks to neighbors for always being there for us.