Janis Thomas (Lansing)

On Tuesday, May 27, 1952, Ralph Barnett, Sr. and Grace McLaurine Barnett gave birth to their fifth child, Janis Ann Barnett Thomas, in Lansing, Michigan. On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Janis quietly slipped away to join her parents and beloved brother, Ralph Barnett, Jr. in the heavenly kingdom. She was 71 years old.

Janis committed her life to Christ at an early age and could be found on any given Sunday with her family at the Original Church of God under the leadership of her grandparents, Cary and Carrie McLaurine. As an adult, she was a dedicated and faithful servant of Eliezer Temple Church, joining under the pastorship of the late Apostle David William Maxwell.

She earned her education through Lansing Public Schools attending Main Street Elementary, West Jr. High, and J.W. Sexton High School. Janis was a contributing member of the West Junior School Reunion Committee, which continues to hold reunion gatherings to this day. She spent eleven years of dedicated service at the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Plant. Janis later worked in the hospitality industry.

As time went on, Janis’ journey led her to Phoenix, Arizona where her beloved brother, Ralph, Jr. lived. During her many years in Arizona, she worked for United Health Care and the Waffle House. However, one of her most cherished accomplishments was graduating from Azusa World Ministries/Ministry Training Institute. The failing health of Janis’ mother led her back to Lansing so she could contribute to giving her nurturing and loving care. It was during this time that Janis discovered her passion to pursue the role as a caregiver. Many families entrusted their loved ones in the hands and care of Janis who provided the tender loving and devoted care they required.

Janis was instrumental in establishing the Restoration House for Women with her close friend, Judy Booker, serving as house manager until its closing in 2013. Not only did she have concern for others, but Janis also enjoyed cooking home-cooked soul food meals for the family and friends. She loved eating too. A few of her phrases were, “Um, everything is so good.” And “She sho’ put her foot in it.” She also loved traveling to spend precious time with her devoted children, Tiffani and Niki, who live in Glendale, Arizona and Dallas, Texas, and niece, Krystal of Atlanta, Georgia. Shopping was another enjoyment, Janis was very fashionable and loved to dress, donning her jeweled caps, jewelry, and sunglasses. She was an avid Scrabble player. We can’t forget that she’s a die-hard MSU Spartan’s fan.

When Janis was not traveling, she spent sociable time with her inner circle of long-time friends, Doris ‘Boo-Boo’ Taylor, Brenda Woods-Patrick, and Judy Booker. Renee Morgan Freeman, who is from Detroit, was later welcomed into the circle. They, along with a few fellas, would gather to have a good and fun time listening to old-school music, eating, and playing bid-whist – Janis ran a few Boston’s. Other close friends included Phyllis (Phil-Bone) Branson, Portia & Marcia Civils, Gwen Lawrence, and Robert Beard.

Janis leaves to cherish her memory, daughters: Tiffani (Eddie) Thomas and Andrea Thomas, also known as Niki; and LaCretia Shane, who was like a daughter; son, Quan (Dominique) Fletcher; sisters: Carol Husband, Anita Taylor, Rena Lincoln, Malika Abdul-Basir; sister-in-love, Flo Barnett; brother, Wiley (Karen) Barnett; grandchildren: Caché, Dontez, Willie, Amari, Breʹasia, Aʹvai, and Mya; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.