Janice Louise Willis Ricks

Janice Louise Willis Ricks, 90, of Beaufort, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at her home.

A funeral service to honor Janice’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 10^th at First Free Will Baptist Church of Beaufort, officiated by Rev. Richard Patterson. Interment will follow at Oceanview Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through her obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Janice was born on July 10, 1933, in Morehead City, NC, to the late Ivey and Bessie Willis. She was a cherished member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Beaufort, where she found peace and companionship with her fellow members. With a compassionate heart, she served as a Certified Nursing Assistant for over 17 years, touching the lives of many with her care and kindness.

A proud “Seadog” and enthusiast of Beaufort High School basketball, Janice found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had an adventurous spirit, often found outdoors clamming, gardening, or picking blueberries on the big row, especially alongside her cousin, Alice. Her warm personality ensured she never met a stranger, leaving a smile on everyone’s face she met. She never left the house without her signature lipstick. Janice was a lover of poetry and expressed that through her writing. She took great pride in her husband’s service in the Coast Guard, supporting him wholeheartedly and sharing in his dedication to serving his country. Janice will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter, Dawn Chadwick (Charles) of Harkers Island, Sheree Stafford (Jim) of Morehead City; sons, Bill Ricks of Beaufort, Kevin Ricks of Beaufort, John and Fran Clark of Beaufort; grandchildren, Chuck Chadwick, Erin Rose (Charlie), Nathan Stafford (Emily), Casey Ricks, Mason Ricks and Tyler Ricks; great-grandchildren, Ivey Stafford, Parker Rose, Ireland Taylor (Isaac), Riley Rose, Sophie Rose, June Stafford, Sonni Stafford, Nate Stafford, Eliza Stafford; and great-great-grandson, Jobie Taylor.

In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her husband, William “Billy” Ricks; daughter, Amber Ricks; sisters, Beulah Willis, Georgia Lewis; brothers, Leo Willis, Jimmy Willis; and grandson, Josh Stafford.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.