Janice Hepler Spooner

Janice Hepler Spooner, age 71, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Somerville, TN on January 27, 2026. It was a beautiful, snowy day. She was born in Wynne, Arkansas to the late Amy Jo Harmon. Janice graduated from Wynne High School in 1972, got married, and moved to Memphis to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated from Methodist School of Nursing in 1980 and started her career as an operating room nurse. Janice was very well known in the medical field. There is just not enough room to list all her awards, accolades, and accomplishments. She was most proud of her contributions in Medical Research and the compassion she had towards patients in many lifesaving operating rooms across the country as a traveling OR Nurse. She is known for beginning her rewarding career at Baptist Memorial Hospital in downtown Memphis, and finishing her career at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, where she completed her last travel assignment. She loved living close to her aunt and her cousin in Greenbrier, TN and was so happy that she was also near her good friend in Paris, TN. She loved attending "Joy" at Greenbrier Methodist Church and was also active at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis. That is where she faithfully committed to finishing her last accomplishment and succeeded in reading the whole Chronological Bible. She was so proud that she did it!

Janice lived life in a special and sassy way and faithfully leaned on God through her 11-year battle with cancer. She wanted to cross the finish line in her way and that she did! Janice 's memory will be cherished by her family and friends for her strong perseverance and never giving up. She was no doubt special and the best storyteller you ever met. She will be remembered for her quick wit, spunky attitude, her compassion for patient care, and her many amazing talents. She was a giver. She lived to serve and enjoyed hand-making special things for those she loved. Janice lived life on her terms and her way and loved to tell you all about it! She was a huge fan of Motown, and it was played in her home a lot.

She leaves behind a huge family that loved her immensely. She is survived by her loving daughter, Leigh Beth Ammons (Ronnie) of Somerville, TN, and one son, Jeff. She was most proud of being "Nanis” to her three grandsons, Avery Ammons, Addison Pate (Sheridan) and Wesley Ammons (Lauren), as well as three great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Isabella and Veronica Ammons. Janice is also survived by her sister, Rebecca Barker (David) of MS and one brother David Miller (Cindy) of Mason, TN; her aunt, Mary Owens of Wynne, Arkansas, and uncle, David Harmon of Canton, Texas, as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Janice also leaves a strong love for Billie and Ronnie Ammons, Sr. She enjoyed being a part of their lives and being grandparents together.

Lovingly written by the family to honor a life well lived.