Janice Van Emmerik

Janice Van Emmerik, age 76 of Wirtz, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026. Born in the dead of winter on January 8, 1950, in the little town of Carthage, New York, Janice arrived as the cherished daughter of Ernie and Margaret Marilley. Five years later, she was promoted to proud big sister when Carl came along, completing what seemed like the perfect little family. Life, however, had other plans. At just 14 years old, Janice lost her father in a tragic accident. It was a heartbreaking chapter, but one she faced with remarkable strength, surrounded by a family who loved her dearly. That resilience would become one of the defining qualities of her life. She went on to earn her Associate’s Degree in Nursing and began her career as a Registered Nurse, eventually serving as the charge nurse on the orthopedic floor. Nursing wasn’t simply her profession—it was part of who she was. She gave so much of herself to every patient that, eventually, there wasn’t much left at the end of the day. Recognizing her generous heart, Warren lovingly told her, “Stay home and take care of us. I’ll take care of everything else.” She traded hospital halls for a home filled with love, and she poured that same compassion into her family for the rest of her life. College also gave her something else: the love of her life. One evening, Warren noticed a beautiful young woman happily dancing by herself. He liked what he saw, introduced himself, and, as the family likes to say, followed her around ever since. Janice and Warren were married on September 12, 1970. Like many weddings, theirs wasn’t exactly perfect—and that’s what made it memorable. Warren’s pants were a little too short, his wedding ring didn’t fit, and during the prayer he finally shoved it onto his finger. It stayed there for the next fifty-plus years, becoming just another reminder that sometimes love doesn’t have to be perfect to last forever. In 1972, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Carrie on a bitterly cold winter day that no one who was there will ever forget. The delivery was filled with frightening complications, but through Janice’s incredible strength and determination, mother and baby began the next chapter of a life that would be centered on family. Janice had a gift for making people feel welcome, cared for, and loved. Whether through a home-cooked meal, a listening ear, or simply showing up when someone needed her, she quietly made life better for the people around her. She didn’t seek recognition; she simply lived a life of generosity, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. In 1976, another chapter of Janice’s life began when Warren was contacted by one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He embraced what he was learning almost immediately. Janice’s journey took a little longer. She faced concerns from her family , wrestled with overcoming a difficult habit, and carefully weighed what she was learning. But once she became convinced she had found the truth, there was no looking back. In 1977, Warren and Janice dedicated their lives to Jehovah and symbolized that dedication by baptism. It was the best decision she ever made, and one she never regretted. Her faith became the foundation of her life and influenced every decision she made thereafter. When someone suggested she might enjoy serving as a Regular Pioneer, Janice didn’t just consider it—she jumped in with both feet. Month after month, she joyfully spent 90 hours sharing her Bible-based hope with others. She served faithfully for many years and treasured the friendships she made along the way. Her pioneer partners became more than fellow ministers—they became lifelong friends, many of whom she still lovingly referred to as her best friends. Outside the ministry, Janice’s Olympic sport was shopping. She had a remarkable ability to sniff out a bargain before anyone else even knew it existed. Shoes were perhaps her greatest weakness. In fact, she leaves behind what can only be described as an impressive collection of ladies’ size 5½ shoes. If you happen to have tiny feet…please see the family after the service. She loved gathering people around the table. Her Caesar salad became legendary, her pizza and riggies were requested again and again, and if you were lucky enough to enjoy one of her meals, you also knew she could make gravy that deserved its own award. Once referred to as divine. Feeding people was one of the many ways she showed love. Janice also loved making people laugh, whether around the dinner table or during a spirited game of cards. She found joy in simple moments and had a way of making everyone around her feel like family. Before long, it became clear that once you’re a nurse, you’re always a nurse. While camping, Janice became the unofficial campground medic, patching up scraped knees, skinned elbows, and whatever other body part had lost a battle with a bicycle. After enough flip-flop-related mishaps, she finally declared, “No flip-flops while riding bikes!”—a rule that likely prevented many future bandages. The neighborhood kids knew her skills, too. If someone was “accidentally” hit with a tennis racket or came home sporting a cut that needed a butterfly bandage, Janice was the one they came running to. She never really stopped nursing; she simply traded hospital patients for children, neighbors, family, and anyone else who needed a little patching up. Her nursing skills weren’t reserved just for family and neighborhood kids. Janice also gladly volunteered wherever she was needed at Kingdom Hall Quick Builds and conventions, often serving in First Aid. While she was always ready with a bandage, an ice pack, or a reassuring smile, those who served alongside her know that the First Aid trailer was about much more than treating bumps and bruises. It was filled with laughter, good conversations, and friendships that lasted a lifetime. She loved serving Jehovah alongside others, and somehow managed to make even First Aid feel like one of the happiest places to be. As she became tired, her hope never did. She looked forward with absolute confidence to the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promises found in the Bible—the day when sickness, pain, and death will be gone forever. During her final days, our family often talked about what her new, perfect body would be like in Paradise. Since she had always been proudly 4 feet 11 inches tall, we teased that maybe she’d finally get to be a little taller. Dad just smiled and said, “Maybe perfection is 4’11”.” It’s hard to sum up a life of 76 years in just a few paragraphs—she was so much more than that. The family would love for you to share your stories with them, especially the good ones and the funny ones. Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Ernest Marilley. She is survived by her devoted husband, Warren; her loving daughter, Carrie; her brother, Carl Marilley, and his wife, Vicky; her niece, Nicole Willmert, and her husband, Derek, and their children, Cullen, Johnathon, and Paige; her nephew, Ernie Marilley, and his wife, Stephany, and their daughters, Hallie and Hazel; and her niece, Ashley Roes, and her husband, Andrew, and their children, Makenna, Sadie, and Kenna. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff of Samaritan Hospice, especially nurses Amber, Eliza, and Sandy. Their love, kindness, and exceptional care brought comfort not only to Janice but to her entire family. They treated her with dignity, respect, and genuine compassion throughout her journey, allowing her to remain comfortable and surrounded by love. Their support, guidance, and countless acts of kindness will never be forgotten. The family simply cannot express enough gratitude for everything Samaritan Hospice has done. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, Rocky Mount.