Janette Williamson Ingram

Thelma Janette Williamson Ingram passed peacefully on to her celestial mansion and new body on March 8th, 2023. She leaves behind a legacy of profound love of family, of kindness, service and grace to all, and a beautiful and easy laugh and smile. She was the only child of Homer and Lerah Williamson, born on July 22, 1934 in Gladewater, TX. They moved to Tyler, TX, when she was a small girl and she lived there until she met and married David Ingram. They met at the West Erwin Church of Christ, and according to them, when she saw David the first time, she told her friends “stay away from him, he is mine!” They married soon after that. David was drafted during the Korean war, served two years, then enrolled in Abilene Christian College (now University), where he prepared for ministry in the church. After his graduation, they served churches in Brownwood, Mt. Vernon, Longview (Pine Tree), Lake Jackson, Daingerfield, Madisonville, San Angelo, Avery and Chandler, all in Texas. They also spent several years in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and in Donetsk, Ukraine. During those early years, Mama blessed this world with four children, and then they later adopted and raised another.

If ever there was a servant heart, Janette had it. She was always thinking of others. She served in all the churches where David ministered, teaching adults and children, serving as church secretary, going on campaigns, hosting visiting preachers in their home, and so much more. She served in the children’s schools and in the community, often getting “volunteered” for functions, and always accepting the challenge graciously. And hundreds if not thousands of people through the years received cards and letters of support and encouragement from Janette. About the only “self-time” was her reading. She loved to read, and even that ended up serving as she was an example to many children and grandchildren who became avid readers.

But her family was the object of her greatest devotion and service. She served her husband, children and their extended families up until she was no longer able to. None of us will ever forget her cooking skills, especially her fried chicken. Our friends were always welcome at the house. When grandchildren and great-grandchildren began showing up, it seemed as though her servant heart enlarged several sizes. She had no greater joy than a houseful of family and even their friends for Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, a birthday party or any other excuse to make lots of food and enjoy one another’s company. Even in her last days when she no longer could serve, her heart kept her asking all of us “ how are you” and wanting to help do something for us.

Janette is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, David Ingram; children, Elizabeth and husband Richy Pollard of Idabel, OK, Patti and husband Bob Sliter of Edom, TX, David and wife Babi Ingram of San Angelo, TX, Tim and wife Julie Ingram from Lindale, TX, and Liliane Ingram of Lakewood Village, TX; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. We are a large tribe and Momma loves us all deeply and profoundly.

Janette is preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Lerah Williamson; and two grandchildren, Jeff Fisher and Kaci Pollard.

It would be impossible to express our gratitude personally to all the people who have called, prayed, visited and sent cards of encouragement during our mother’s last days. But we have to mention the beautiful people from Hospice of East Texas. To Lesley, Karen, Rose, Norma, Joyce, and Selena: we could not have done this without you. Our mother (and Daddy) felt cared for just as if you were family.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to send donations to Rust Street Ministries:

803 Rust Street

San Angelo, TX 76903 or

https://www.fellowshiponegiving.com/app/giving/johnsonstreet

A celebration of life memorial for Janette will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 2:00 pm at West Erwin Church of Christ, 420 West Erwin Street, Tyler, Texas 75702.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tylermemorial.com for the Ingram family.