The Richmond News, June 12, 2026

Janice Hawkins

Janice Elizabeth Hawkins, 85, of Richmond entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior at home, surrounded by the love of her family as they sang her favorite gospel hymns. Janice was born in Sedalia to Arthur Guy and Anna May King. As a young girl, her family moved to Kansas City, where she spent her childhood and made many treasured memories. Janice married James Loren Chiles in 1963; and they welcomed two daughters, Kimberley and Julie.

On July 29, 1976, she married Edward Allen Hawkins of Richmond. They shared 37 years of marriage until Edward’s passing on July 9, 2014.

The youngest of 13 children, Janice grew up surrounded by a large and loving family that remained an important part of her life.

Janice worked in a variety of clerical positions throughout her career and faithfully served as the assistant director of the Richmond Housing Authority before retiring. She approached her work with kindness, dedication and a servant’s heart.

Her life’s greatest devotion was to God and to her family. She began and ended each day in scripture, reading from a well-worn Bible whose pages had become thin from years of faithful study. Scripture was never far from her heart. Bible verses were tucked into her worn Bible and scribbled on whatever scraps of paper she could find, reminders of the promises she carried with her each day.

She loved singing gospel music with her sisters and found strength, comfort and joy in the word of God. Through every trial she faced, her faith and perseverance never wavered.

To know Janice was to know a gentle spirit, a listening ear and an unwavering trust in God’s promises. She lived her faith quietly but consistently, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to guide her family for generations.

In addition to her husband Edward, she was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Luke Chowning; granddaughter, Elizabeth Chowning; four brothers; and six sisters.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Kimberley (Darrick) Bruns of Platte City and Julie (Mike) Chowning of Richmond; and grandchildren, Brittany (Justin) Fitzgerald, Seth Bruns, Emily Chowning, Caleb (Alazé) Chowning and Lyndsey (Adrian) Church. Other survivors include her treasured great-grandchildren, Rowan, Kamrynn, Beckham, Honesti and Alli; and her precious great-grandson, Micah Luke, whose arrival is joyfully anticipated this September.

She also is survived by her sisters, Margaret Burton and Charlene Kemple; and many beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Janice’s life was a quiet testimony of steadfast faith and perseverance. She taught her family not only by what she said, but also by how she lived, opening her Bible each day, hiding God’s word in her heart, and trusting Him through every joy and every trial.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices knowing she is healed, restored and forever home with the Savior she faithfully served.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall award to me on that day.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Richmond First Baptist Church or to support research for Parkinson’s disease by donating to give.michaeljfox.org.

Visitation with funeral services will be held Monday, June 15, at the First Baptist Church in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and services to follow at 11. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Janice with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.