Janice Ann Pruitt

Janice Ann Payne Pruitt, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the age of 81. She was the cherished bride of Herman Willie Pruitt.

Born on February 13, 1944, in Clifton, Texas, Janice was the daughter of the late Cicero Wayne Payne and the late Thelma Pauline (Walker) Payne.

Janice’s life was a testament to her dedication, compassion, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of everyone she knew.

Janice’s educational journey began at Kopperl High School, where she excelled academically and graduated as the valedictorian of her class. She continued her education at East Texas State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree. She went on to attend North Texas State University where she earned her Master’s degree in elementary education.

Throughout her career as an educator, Janice worked to educate her students and in doing so what she did was inspire generations of students with her knowledge and enthusiasm for learning. She dedicated her life to fostering a love for reading in her students, and she will always be remembered as a dedicated educator.

In her free time, Janice enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests. She was an avid reader of the Holy Bible and her daily devotionals and she lived out those Words in her everyday life. She also enjoyed playing the piano and singing. Janice enjoyed traveling, cooking, and she always felt her greatest achievement in life was her family.

Janice is survived by her husband, Herman Pruitt, of Mabank; daughter, Teresa (Pruitt) Franklin, and her husband, Ellis, of Mabank; her son, Taw Pruitt, and his wife, Roslene, of Mabank; her sister, Shirley June (Payne) Jones, of Morgan, Texas; her brother, Rudolph Bradberry, and his wife, Brinder, of Westcliffe, Colorado; and her grandchildren, Clarice Lay, Olivia Pruitt, Tony Ogburn, Randall Ogburn, Lyric Holland, Jack Pruitt, Maxwell Pruitt, and Terrynn Johnson; and five great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Janice’s life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank.