Janice B. King

Janice  B. King was  born February 23, 1943 to Excell, Jr. and Evelyn Gilleylen in St. Louis, Mo.  A few years later she was joined by her brother Excell III   Her grandmother, Emma Gilleylen, gave her the nickname, "Baby Janice" by which she was known to  all of the family.  She lost  her mother at the age of 13, and that had a profound impact on her outlook of life, and her sense of love and family.

In 1961 she married Andrew W. King, but continued her education, graduating from Vashon High School in 1963. She was employed at Central  High School as a librarian.  She was also active  in the education of her four children, serving as PTA president. When Andrew received a promotion to District Manager, the family moved to Kansas City.

Janice began her career at the Mid-America Regional Council as the receptionist. She later moved to the aging department, where she advanced to the Community Services manager of the Area Agency on Aging. The position she had when she retired. That position required extensive travel; monitoring the 30 senior centers in the network, monthly meetings in the state capitol, Jefferson City, and participating in regional and national conferences around the nation.

Those who knew her will attest to her love to eat, which required an exceptional ability to cook.   She loved to prepare the traditional Christmas  and Thanksgiving meals for her family, also summer barbeques and any other events that would bring us around the table.  As a toddler, Her oldest son had problems pronouncing her name, Janice, and shortened it to "Ja", the name is affectionately used by all of her grandchildren.

Janice leaves her brother Excell Gilleylen III (Future), her children Robert (Belvia), Andrew Jr., Andrea, and Keith (Rosalinda): grandchildren Keithy, Robyn, Brandon, Chance, Klaryssa, Gia, and Kamila.  Also two Great-grandchildren and a host of loving cousins, friends, and business colleagues.