Janice Smith Kinder
Janice Deloris Smith Kinder, of Pearisburg, Virginia a beacon of warmth and kindness, departed this life peacefully resting in her faith and love for her Savior Jesus Christ on May 18, 2025, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Born on March 17, 1943, in Kelsa Virginia, Janice's life was a tapestry of love, family, and cherished memories. She was a friend to all and a stranger to none, touching lives with her generosity and her exceptional talent for canning—her apple butter and pears were the highlight of many family gatherings.
Janice's journey began as the beloved daughter of the late William Smith and Elsie Conn Smith, she is also preceded in death by her husband Neal Junior Kinder, her brother Bufford Smith, granddaughters Audra Suellen Kinder and Carrie Elizabeth Kinder. She was a guiding light in her family, a role she embraced with joy and devotion. Her husband, Neal Junior Kinder, was her partner in life for more than 50 years until his passing. Together, they created a legacy of love—a family that included their sons Gary Neal Kinder and Jeffrey Allen Kinder (wife Mesi), and daughters Sharon Gail Kinder Potter (husband Jeff) and Karen Lynn Kinder. Janice's love multiplied with the arrival of each of her 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who were the apples of her eye.She was the cherished sister to Willis Smith (wife Justine), Helen Lester, Evelyn Cox, and Irene Stiltner. Janice's life was also blessed with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and not to forget, her precious little dog Fancy, who will carry forward her spirit of generosity and kindness.
She is now resting and is at peace with the assurance of being reunited with those loved ones who have departed and await that glorious resurrection day when Jesus Christ comes to take us all home. Her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her. She loved to talk and tell about her family, her life, and her faith!
Janice's life was a portrait of unwavering commitment to her family and her faith. Her doors were always open, often her kitchen bustled with the scent of her famous preserves, apple butter, and pears. Her smiles, laughter and hugs, are a constant echo in the hearts of those she loved. She was a woman who lived for the joy of giving, whether it was her time, her delicious canned goods, or her boundless love.
The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home with Pastor Don Elswick officiating. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kinder family.
