March 31, 1937 ~ June 25, 2025
Janice Nancy Ann Beard, 88, from Hart, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025. She was born March 31, 1937, in Fenmore, Michigan, the daughter of Rev. Earl Edwin and Loisa Alice (Christensen) Gladding. She was the youngest of eight siblings.
Janice graduated from Vestaburg High School in 1955. She married the love of her life, Dr. Jared Lee Beard on March 2, 1956. They were married in the Sumner Center Church of the Nazarene, the church that Jared’s dad, Rev. Arthur Beard, had started.
Janice was her husband’s medical assistant and midwife during his home delivery years. She was an active homemaker, and as a hobby farmer, she raised sheep for the 4-H kids. Janice enjoyed quilt making with the Helping Hand group, created hooked rugs, was an avid reader and loved southern gospel music, especially the Gaithers.
Janice is survived by: her children, Jared Michael (Erna) Beard, Marcia (Michael) Bear, Sheryl (David) Hodge, and Justis (Jenny) Beard; 15 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Janice was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Dr. Jared L. Beard; granddaughter, Natalie Elizabeth Hodge; great-granddaughter, Nova Rae Beard; four brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan 49455. Visitation will be held from noon until 2 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home. Interment will be in Elm Hall Cemetery at a later date.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.
