Janice Bagwell

A Time to Be Born Janice Bagwell entered this world on February 18, 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland. Janice was the fourth eldest of twelve children born to the late Nathaniel and Esther Johnson. Janice grew up in South Baltimore and lived all of her adult life in West Baltimore. A Time to Learn Janice was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools System where her love for reading and watching educational documentaries were expanded. In 1964, Janice graduated from Edmondson High School with a major in Business Education. When her formal education ended, Janice continued to have an enthusiasm for learning and acquiring new and interesting information. She would often call relatives and friends to share what she learned. A Time to Work Upon graduating from Edmondson High School, Janice began her career at Carr Lowrey’s Glass Company. Janice was a valuable member of the organization and made many significant contributions to ensure the overall effectiveness of accounts and customer needs were addressed. Janice remained as a dedicated and integral member at Carr Lowery’s for thirty-five years before retiring in 2001. A Time for Love and Family In 1965, Janice married the late Vernon M. Harris and from this union they were blessed with one son, Vernon K. Harris, whom she affectionately named “sweet chocolate”. Janice loved her son dearly and devoted an endless amount of time and showering him with love and attention and establishing an eternal and loving bond. Janice was Vernon’s “No. 1 girl” and they spent time together each day. As life sometimes happens, the union between Janice and Vernon M dissolved and she met the late James “Jimmy” Ernest Bagwell. After a loving courtship the two decided to marry in 1977. With still more love to share, Janice and Jimmy decided to expand their family and were blessed to welcome a beautiful daughter, Tashia Bagwell. Janice loved Tashia and often said “this was the daughter that I always wanted”. And Tashia loved her “Janny-Pooh”. They were the best of friends and often had long talks about many different topics. Most of the time, those talks ended with Janice’s favorite saying “Mommy knows best” and Tashia would eventually agree. Janice and Tashia loved to go shopping together and would always say “let’s just go in one store” but quickly that one turned into many as they laughed and ended their day with a bite to eat—usually a sandwich from Subway. Janice enjoyed being a mother and dedicated her life to ensuring that Vernon and Tashia understood the value of family and the importance of siblings always supporting each other. A Time to Choose God Janice accepted Christ and received her Christian education at a young age. She became an active and dedicated member of Evergreen African Methodist Episcopal Church. During her time as member of Evergreen AME, Janice served the Lord and participated in a number of ministries including Pastor’s Aide, Women’s Day Committee, Outreach Committee, Women’s Ministry and Ministry for Senior Citizens. Janice grew as a Christian and deepened her understanding of God’s word through the leadership and friendship of Dr. M. Ruth Travis. Once Dr. Travis retired, Janice joined the St. Paul Institutional Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Kobi Robertson where she continued her spiritual growth. Janice looked forward to Sunday worship and weekly fellowship with Pastor Kobi and the members of St. Paul Institutional Baptist Church. A Time for an Earthly Farewell Janice departed this life on Wednesday, September 16, 2020. Janice fought valiantly until she slipped away. Janice enjoyed the simple things in life, planting and tending to a beautiful garden, shopping for a bargain, using her creative talents to enhance the home lively conversation with family, friends and neighbors. Janice would meet strangers and within five minutes they would share their entire life story with her. Leaving some people to say she had a “PhD in common sense.” Janice has earned her crown and was lovingly welcomed into the arms of her savior. Janice leaves to cherish her memory one son, Vernon K. Harris, Baltimore, MD; one daughter, Tashia M. Bagwell, Baltimore, MD, one grandson, Brandon L. Sells, two granddaughters Milan N. Harris and Ryann A. Smith (all of Baltimore, MD) one sister-in law; Harriet E. Skinner (Hampton, VA), one brother-n-law; Vernon Savage (Baltimore, MD), six sisters; Paige Baker(Melvyn), Barbara Weathers, Brenda Young, Linda Johnson, Denise Moore (William) and Gail Baker; one brother Craig Johnson, (all of Baltimore, MD); two aunts; Sylvia Lyles and Bernice Rogers, Favorite Cousin Ronnie Savage (Louise); one Godson Barry Murphy, two Goddaughters Ericka McCray and Janell Westbrook, a very special and dear friend; Ms.Vernell Fussell and a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors and devoted friends.

Tributes

Janice Bagwell

February 18, 1946 - September 16, 2020