of Little Rock, AR
June 3, 1950 - May 20, 2023
Janice Elaine Vail Walther, of Little Rock, AR passed away May 20, 2023, joining her personal Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ at the throne of the Father, after a five-year battle with Parkinson's disease.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Larry Walther of Little Rock, her son, George "Bill" Walther of Little Rock; daughter, Amanda Carswell (Justin) of Point Lookout, MO; grandchildren, Evelyn Garcia (Jacob) of Newcastle, OK, George "Will" Walther of Watertown, NY, Jacob Carswell of West Point, NY, Luke Walther of North Little Rock, AR and John, Scott and James Carswell of Point Lookout, MO and a new great-grandchild, Owen Garcia of Newcastle, OK. She is preceded in death by her parents, W.A. Vail and his wife, Ella Perrene Crawley Vail and two brothers, W.A. Vail, Jr and Otis Don Vail.
Janice was born June 3, 1950 in Wilmot, AR. She moved to Parkdale, AR as a little girl where she attended local public schools, graduating from Wilmot High School in 1968. She was a very talented and thoughtful student athlete and was popular among the student body and basketball team. She attended the University of Monticello for two years and then matriculated to the University of Central Arkansas, where she graduated with a degree in home economics. It was a field and profession in which she excelled, because, in 1970, Janice married the love of her life, Larry Walther from Parkdale, AR.
After working for two years as a teacher, Janice became a stay-at-home mother and wife, enjoying her strong walk with Christ and becoming a leader and teacher of women and children within her local church families and Community Bible Study for many years. She used her God-given gifts of hospitality and compassion to serve her neighbors well. Janice was a mentor to many women and families over the years, a beautiful example of grace and forgiveness to all who knew her.
Janice was a true Christ follower who led many people and families to a Christ-centered life. She and Larry are members of Immanuel Baptist Church, also having been members of First Baptist Church Little Rock, Ellisville Baptist Church, First Baptist Church San Antonio and Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock.
Janice and Larry have lived in many places together following Larry's career, including Little Rock, St. Louis, San Antonio and Washington, D.C. While Larry was away, serving as an appointee of two United States Presidents, there was rarely a day they did not speak, even when her husband was in some very difficult places in the world.
Janice Walther has been the consistent, faithful rock in her family's lives and Larry credits her for the success of his career and any impact he has had on those he has influenced, including the many people they mentored together. As a wife and mother, she worked tirelessly for the good of her family, creating a place to call home (with her own hands, tools, bags of nails and screws, carloads of fabric and genuine ingenuity) no matter where home might be. She was a woman of incredible poise and discernment. She was truly lovely in every way. Her authentic demeanor and attitude were positive examples to the many friends they shared.
Visitation will begin at 9:00am on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, followed by a celebration of life service at 10:00am with Pastor David Moore officiating. A graveside service will be held at Parkdale Cemetery at Parkdale, AR at 3:30pm.
Memorials may be made to the College of the Ozarks, 100 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, MO 65726.
The family is grateful for the care of Parkway Village, Arkansas Hospice, the outstanding team of caregivers and her loving friends and family.
Christ tells us we will one day be together again, and we await and anticipate our reunion with our wonderful matriarch. May she rest among the angels she has championed her entire life.
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43 Condolence(s)
Marvin H. Schulteis
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Larry, George "Bill," Mandy, & Family
How very sad I am to finally learn of Janice' passing some half-month later. Even though I had not seen Janice in some years, she was always very special to me from the first day I met her. When we all lived in Chesterfield, Mo. together (Ma Bell Days), Janice was the campaign manager for my successful run for the school board. Her invaluable insights and suggestions made it possible for me to win. Like so many others who have written, She was one of the kindest, most gracious persons to ever laugh with me and grace my life. Thank you, Lord, for Janice.
Marvin H. Schulteis
Helen Youngblood
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Janice was a beautiful lady with a lovely smile and a Good Word every time that I was privileged to see her. God’s blessings on her precious family. â¤ï¸
Bill Humble
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Bud and Jody Cummins
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Our most sincere condolences to Larry and the entire family. Bud and Jody Cummins
Gena Burson
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful person! We were in college in Monticello together. We cooked together, we sewed together, we made hats together, and all that home economics stuff under Mrs. Ross and Miss Piercy... great times. She will be missed. Watching this brought back great memories. I wish we had stayed closer after Monticello.
Steven C. Moss
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Janice was one of the finest people I’ve known. A Christian in the truest sense of the word. She was a joyful presence. Her absence will be felt far beyond her family. My prayers for her family and loved ones.
Tammy Martin
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Praying for God's comfort for the entire Walther family.
Doyle& Donna Dillahunty
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Larry and family our continued thoughts and prayers are with you. What a lovely, friendly and Godly lady. May you feel the peace and comfort of Jesus as you walk through these days.
Donna & Doyle
Janis Minick
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Larry, I will be praying that the Holy Spirit will give you and your beautiful family comfort and peace in the days ahead. Although I didn’t get to know Janice real well, I always knew that she was amazing. God bless you.
Katie Cullen & Charlie Shipp
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Larry and Family,
Charlie and I are so saddened by the passing of your most lovely wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Janice was one of a kind in so many ways and had the biggest of hearts. Please know that God will help get you through this and you have the prayers of so many people who love you. â¤ï¸
Karen ,&Doyet Moore
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
I m so saddened to learn of Janice's passing! She was one of my closest friends at First Baptist until we moved. Again, my heart hurts with you and family âœï¸
Linda Carswell and Neil McCabe
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Our sincere condolences for your family. May God’s grace comfort you and give you peace.
Patricia Loui
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Dear Larry and Family,
Michael and I extend our heartfelt condolences on Janice's passing. She was so very loving, kind and generous to all she met. When we served on the US Export-Import Bank Board together, and Janice visited you in DC, we saw what a great sacrifice you both had made to serve the nation. And so glad we could share time with you and Janice in Hawaii when she could still travel. Our prayers are with you and your family, Larry, at this very sad time. With Aloha, Pat & Mike
Paula Sherrill
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Larry, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of transition. Janice was a wonderful friend.
Patricia Loui
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Dear Larry and Family,
Michael and I extend our heartfelt condolences on Janice's passing. She was so very loving, kind and generous to all she met. When we served on the US Export-Import Bank Board together, and Janice visited you in DC, we saw what a great sacrifice you both had made to serve the nation. And so glad we could share time with you and Janice in Hawaii when she could still travel. Our prayers are with you and your family, Larry, at this very sad time. With Aloha, Pat & Mike
Polly Ewing
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Larry, Mandy, Bill and family, my heart grieves for you and with you! May God bless you with comfort, grace and peace. â¤ï¸
Susan Plunkett
Monday, May 22, 2023
Larry,
My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Janice was a good friend and someone I looked up to. I am so sorry for your loss.
Much Love in Christ,
Susan
Bob Denman
Monday, May 22, 2023
Larry, heartfelt sympathies friend to you and the entire Walther family. What a terrific Christ filled life Janice led. Prayers for comfort and peace during your time of loss. Bob D.
Linda Grice Tullos
Monday, May 22, 2023
I am heartbroken. We were Mutt and Jeff growing up, and we didn't mind being called that. Janice was a true friend and a beautiful person. There are so many wonderful memories of us growing up together. She will always be in my heart with much love and admiration.
Jeannie Fry
Monday, May 22, 2023
One of the most beautiful people that I had the pleasure of knowing. We loved having dinner at Graffitis! My thoughts and prayers to Larry and family. I know you will miss her in ways you could not imagine. Peace to you all.
Chanda Chadwick
Monday, May 22, 2023
My deepest condolences.
Glenda Dunigan Wells
Monday, May 22, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to Janice’s family. I remember the time she and her wonderful Christian family lived in Parkdale.
Norman Cossey
Monday, May 22, 2023
So sorry to learn we have lost such a great angel. Janice was a wonderful schoolmate. One can never forget such a sweet, radiant smile. Her family has lost a treasure.
Jerry G. and Buffie Johnson
Monday, May 22, 2023
Larry,
The Johnson Family all send our deepest sympathy and prayers for the Holy Spirit's comfort for and God's blessings on you and your family. Janice was a lovely, godly lady.
Heidi Whitman
Monday, May 22, 2023
Bless the Walther family who mourn, eternal God, with the comfort of Your love that they may face each new day with hope and the certainty that nothing can destroy the good that has been given through Janice, their beloved wife, mother and grandmother. May their memories become joyful, their days enriched with friendship, and their lives encircled by Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Hazel Barksdale Hawkins
Monday, May 22, 2023
Larry, so sorry to hear about Janice. She was always one of my favorite students and I was always delighted to hear of the creative things she came up with and accomplished. Her sweet and sunny disposition was like a bright ray of sunshine and a beautiful example of her love for her family, her friends, and God. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless each of you.
Winston & Susan Bryant
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Larry,
We just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Janice was a beautiful and sweet lady.
Beth and Mike Coulson
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Larry,
We are so sorry for your loss and sorry to be away for the funeral .What a lovely woman.
Beth and Mike
Kathy Kelly
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Janice has always been the kindest, most genuine and loving person I’ve ever known. A lifetime of memories and love for her. Many prayers for Larry, Bill, Mandy and the kids.
Jan and Richard Weiss
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Larry, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jan and Richard Weiss
Beryl Foster
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Larry, so terribly sorry for your loss. Janice was a wonderful, sweet,person.
James and Lottie Crossley
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Larry, our prayers are with you and your family. May GOD bless
Ross Bolding
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Larry and family, my heart goes out to you at the loss of dear Janice. She was the last member of my second family and I always regarded her as my best friend and little sister growing up. I am so happy that your family were wrapped in her love. There will never be another like her. She didn’t have to wait to get to Heaven to be an Angel. She was one here on earth.
Ron and Linda Fincher
Sunday, May 21, 2023
We are so saddened and shocked by Janice’s death. What a wonderful Christian lady who we respected and loved. Our hearts are heavy and happy for her at the same time. We will be praying for you and your family in the weeks and months ahead.
GARY & NORMA WORTMAN
Sunday, May 21, 2023
We are so saddened for your loss, but so glad you have such great memories of Janice to comfort you.
HAROLD F SHARP
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Larry, you will be in our prayers in the loss of your wife. I am sure she was the joy of your life and like you, one who sought to do God's will in all her life.
Beverly Kelly Davis
Sunday, May 21, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry Clary
Saturday, May 20, 2023
I’ve known Janice since college and her gifts of hospitality, service to others and kindness will be missed in so many ways. So sorry for what she had to go through but she is in a perfect place now with her Lord and Savior.
Allen Rauch
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Janice will be greatly missed
Alex and Dixie Crawley
Saturday, May 20, 2023
A truly beautiful person. All our family will truly miss her.
Jim and Kay Hinkle
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Janice. May the fond memories comfort you in the days ahead.
Buddy & Lynn Lovell
Saturday, May 20, 2023
May God & Angels welcome Janice
Doyle & Sue Childers
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Larry,
God bless you and the family as you reflect on the joyful memories of the years you shared with Janice and rejoice that she will be waiting for each of you when you arrive to join her. A good life well lived!
Doyle& Sue