Janice Hamblin

Janice Gwendolyn Hamblin, 87, of Tupelo, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, at the Sanctuary Hospice House. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Janice was born on April 20, 1937, in Booneville to Rowdy Joshua Floyd and Ira Martin Floyd. She was one of six children, with three brothers and two sisters. She grew up in Prentiss County and graduated from Wheeler High School in 1955. Janice attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College, where she met the love of her life, Billy Wicks Hamblin Sr. Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps, the college sweethearts were married and began their life’s journey together. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family and experiencing all of life's joys. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.

Janice lived a full, faith-filled life. Janice’s love of life and travel led to her initial professional career as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines in 1957. Janice also fulfilled roles in corporate accounting and payroll. She particularly enjoyed her tenure with the Mississippi Unemployment Security Commission. She concluded her successful career as an office manager with the family-owned business. Janice was a faithful member of Harrisburg Baptist Church. She humbly served alongside her husband in the church nursery, participated in homebound visitation, and was a longstanding member of the Sanctuary Sunday School Class. Her devotion to faith and family is evident in her legacy.

Janice had a contagious smile and bright, warm, and welcoming eyes that often led to engaging conversations. She was a gracious neighbor and an avid gardener. She and Billy were particularly proud of the lilies they nurtured together. Janice enjoyed all sports but especially liked watching college football. Most of all, she was cherished for her genuine, unwavering love for her family. 

Janice leaves behind her youngest brother, Max Floyd, of Booneville; two children, Billy Hamblin Jr., wife Dana, and Alicia Asters, husband Wes, all of Tupelo; four grandchildren, who will dearly miss their Grandmother, Carter Hamblin, wife Hailey, and Emory (Hamblin) Farrell, husband Teddy, all of Nashville, Tennessee, Ethan Asters, wife Hannah, of Birmingham, Alabama, and Lydia Asters of Tupelo; and her great-granddaughter, Evie James Asters (daughter of Ethan and Hannah Asters) and a host of nieces and nephews.

Janice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy; her parents; two brothers, Melvin and Jerry; and two sisters, Nelle King and Geraldine Muse.

A public visitation will be held from 9 until 11 am on Saturday, July 27th, 2024, at Pegues Funeral Directors in Tupelo. A private family celebration of life service will be conducted afterwards.

Pallbearers will be Carter Hamblin, Ethan Asters, Wes Asters, Teddy Farrell, John Muse, Fred Muse, and Max Muse. Honorary Pallbearers will be Guy King, Jerry Cunningham, Mike Cunningham, Barrett Lovorn, Davis Bouchillon, and Ricky Jackson.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com