Mrs. Janice Gregory

June 22, 1935 - April 6, 2021

Mrs. Janice Gregory, age 85 went from labor to rest on Tuesday, April 6th 2021 in Saginaw Michigan. Janice, affectionately known by her family and close friends as Chee Chee and Aunt Chee Chee was born June 22, 1935 in Bivins, TX. The youngest child of the late Sylvester Sr. and Lenora Jordan. Janice accepted Christ at early age and was baptized at the local country church in East TX down in Rambo, Texas. She graduated from Washington High School in Texarkana, TX, excelling in chemistry with a certification in Commercial Studies. Aside from being proceeded in death by both parents; she was also proceeded in death by her eldest brother Richard Earl, sister Clora Green and Sylvester Jordan Sr. Janice in her school years was a devout academic and enjoyed extracurricular activities like basketball and was a decorated track star. She also was a band majorette and loved anything involving sports all of her life. Janice moved to Saginaw Michigan immediately following graduation from Washington High School and gained employment with Osteopathic doctors who trained her as the first African American Medical Assistant, where she was eventually certified and became a part of the Osteopathic Medical Assistants Association from 1953-1975 when she retired from Dr. Reese’s office. Janice later worked in the Saginaw School System as para-professional and retired from there in the 80s. Her love for community and children called her back to volunteer as a Foster Grandparent in the Saginaw School system, where she was honored as Grandmother of the Year for the entire county. Janice was a member of The Greater Renaissance Baptist Church where she served as a faithful member for over 30 years, serving under Dr. Nathaniel Calhoun and later as a mother of the church under Pastor Cedrick Cheatam. Coming from TX to Saginaw as young woman she met and married Oscar Gregory, and to this union, their only child was born Elaine, whom she doted over affectionately and poured all she knew in to. Together they enjoyed a very full and prosperous life and were known for planting massive gardens and taking family trips, boating and camping all over Michigan. Oscar passed in 1982. Janice leaves to cherish her memories her daughter Elaine Gregory-McKenzie, her grandchildren; Danyelle N. Weatherly, Amora R. McKenzie, Stephanie L. Barker, Eugene R. McKenzie II and James Rhoden. Her Goddaughter’s Michelle Brown, Deborah Champion and Gracie Witherspoon. Honorable mention to her sister by love, Gwendolyn Nickleberry, her nieces Barbara Green and Vickie (Doug) Davis; her great niece Dr. Janelle (Ray) Jordan-Turner. Many other nieces and nephews who also were very special and loved by her. Special thanks to Jerome Buckley, Rosa Woodhouse, Brother and Sister Jackson as well to Gracie and Larry Kemp who brought comfort and never-ending love to Chee Chee in her later years doing whatever they could to brighten her day. Janice, (Aunt Chee Chee), filled our lives with Godly wisdom, an unusual sense of fairness and unconditional love that will forever fill our hearts and is the bedrock of her enduring legacy to her family and friends. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 130 North 11th Street, Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Host Pastor, Pastor Johnie Edwards. Pastor Willie Hill, Jr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Visitation will take place Tuesday, from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. April 13, 2021 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607.