Janice Fennell Whitehead

Janice Fennell Whitehead, 88, of Asheville, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Brooks-Howell Home. She was born on December 30, 1936, in Easley, South Carolina, to the late L. Roy and Frances Fennell and was also predeceased in death by her brother, Roger C. Fennell, of Easley.

Married for 55 years, Janice became the widow of George W. Whitehead in 2010. She is survived by two children, Cindy Perry (Alvin) of Candler and Jim Whitehead of Easley; four grandchildren, Jason Perry (Becky), Stacy Huff (Matt), Noah Whitehead (Hailey) and Joshua Whitehead (Tabi); and one great grandson, Caleb Perry. She is also survived by her niece, Sherri Thompson (Jeff).

When Janice finished high school, she attended Columbia Business School before getting married. After working at a bank for a while, she realized her greatest calling as “mom”. She loved spending time with her children and enjoyed supporting them in sports, dance, scouts, and extra curricular activities at school and church. When her children were older, she entered the workforce again as a child care worker. She worked with developmentally delayed children at Irene Wortham Center and then as a teacher’s assistant at Biltmore Baptist Church Day Care Center. As her family grew, she shared her love of playing cards and other games and working jigsaw puzzles. Game night became a family ritual, and the hours of fun and laughter became cherished memories for the entire family.

Janice was a quiet soul with a kind and loving spirit, and she had a smile that would light up a room. Janice loved the Lord and asked Him into her heart at a very young age. After moving to Asheville in 1966, she joined Biltmore Church and was a member for almost 60 years. During that time, she served in a number of different areas including GA’s, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and as a pianist for the Junior Choir. Janice spent her most recent years as an active member of the Ann Martin Connect Group. She loved each lady in her class and was proud of the many missionaries and mission groups they were able to support. Sunday was her favorite day of the week, and she looked forward to going to her class to study God’s Word together.

During her retirement years, Janice continued to be a blessing through volunteer work. While her daughter was employed at 106.9 the Light, she would often go help in the office with mailings and Sharathons; she went once or twice weekly to the Hospice Treasures Thrift Store to package and price items for sale to help raise money for Hospice; and she went to her church each week to address birthday cards for church members.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the graveside on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2:30 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler. At other times, friends and family are welcome to visit with the immediate family at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Alvin Perry.

Due to the joy that Janice had in donating to various ministries and mission organizations, we ask that memorials be made in her honor to Biltmore Church, 35 Clayton Rd., Arden NC 28704 and specify “for missions” or give to a ministry or mission organization of your choice.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.