Janice Jenkins Horrell

With great love and gratitude, the family of Janice Jenkins Horrell, 82, announces her passing on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, with her loving family by her side as she entered her heavenly home.

Born on March 24, 1943, to the late Reverend Emmett and Flora Jenkins, Janice grew up surrounded by a strong foundation of faith, music, and family values that would shape the course of her life. She lived each of her 82 years with grace, kindness, and a steadfast devotion to the Lord.

Janice was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her sister, Joyce Morton; and her brother, Gerald Jenkins. She is survived by her loving siblings, Carol Bean, Eddie Jenkins, and Faye Lunsford, who will carry forward her memory with deep love and respect.

She was the devoted wife of her beloved husband of 65 years, Wade Horrell, Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories. Together, they built a family grounded in faith and unity. She is survived by her daughter, Felecia James; her son, Richard Horrell, and his wife, Deborah; her grandchildren, Brandon Hall, Christopher Hall, and Joshua Horrell; her step-grandchildren, Dewayne Parker, Braxton Parker, and Curtis Parker; and her many great-grandchildren who brought joy to her days. She also had many nieces and nephews that she loved deeply.

Janice’s family extended far beyond traditional bounds, for she was a mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She leaves behind her nephew and adopted son, Mike Brown, and his wife, Stella; her South American daughter, Pam Ocampo; her South American sons, Sergio Escobar and Daniel Ocampo; and her adopted granddaughter, Ashley Budd. She also cherished the deep friendships she held with her best friends—Cheryl Houston, Susie Shirley, Teresa Somers, Rene Hoxie, and Diane Kissner—relationships that spanned years and stood as a true example of loyalty and sisterhood.

For 55 years, Janice faithfully lifted her voice in song, using her gift of music to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. She ministered through countless church services, concerts, and revivals, touching lives near and far. Many recognized her extraordinary talent and dedication, as she received numerous awards throughout the years, including several at the State Annual Singing Convention in Benson, North Carolina. She was also recognized as a Living Legend in Southern Gospel Music in Eastern North Carolina. Yet, her greatest reward was knowing that her songs brought people closer to the Lord.

Her ministry and legacy were celebrated in March of this year at a special concert, where her grandson, Joshua, presented her with a Legacy Award in honor of her decades of service to gospel music. That moment was a culmination of her life’s calling—a tribute to her faith, perseverance, and the countless lives she influenced through her music.

Janice was a devoted member of Wallace Church of God, where she faithfully attended and served for many years. Her church family knew her not only as a singer, but also as a prayer warrior, encourager, and friend. Her voice filled the sanctuary, but it was her heart for worship and her unwavering love for people that left the greatest mark.

Though Janice’s earthly journey has come to an end, her influence lives on in every life she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, music, and love that will continue to inspire generations. Her family and friends find comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her parents, Reverend Emmett and Flora Jenkins, her sister Joyce, and her brother Gerald—and is joyfully singing in heaven’s choir, free from all pain and suffering, praising the Savior she adored.

Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring and celebrating her life on Saturday, September 13, at 3:00 PM at Christian Fellowship Church, 4017 S NC Hwy 11, Wallace, NC. Your love, prayers, and presence mean so much to our family.

Her melody continues in the hearts of those who knew her, and her song will never fade.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the Horrell family by selecting our Tributer Wall above. 

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, NC.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice Jenkins Horrell, please visit our floral store.