Janice Cumpton Obituary

Janice Marie Cumpton flew to her eternal abode on July 2nd, 2025, while surrounded by beloved family and friends at her home in Caruthersville, MO. Known to all as Jan, Ms. Jan, or Nanny, she was born Janice Marie Jarred, on September 4th, 1948, to Lonnie Franklin Jarred and Lillian Mae Smith, in their home in Hunter, MO, a small, now forgotten community just outside of Caruthersville, MO.
Jan was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. We hope that she is remembered not for how her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her, some of whom she snatched from eternal fire.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents and six of nine siblings: Billy Joe Jarred, Brenda Joyce Jarred, Martha Faye Grubbs, Doris Rose Hutchins, Geraldine Jarred, and Lonnie Franklin Jarred, Jr. She is survived by three sisters: Margaret Jo Stepp, Nancy Leigh Jarred, and Lisa Jane Pegram; all four of her children and their spouses: John Latta Abbott (Jennifer Abbott), Malisa Kay White, Amanda Lonae Riney (Tracey Riney), and Daveeda Michelle Sherrill (Carlton Sherrill); ten grandchildren: Jamie Lambert (Danny Lambert), Jarred Abbott (Crystal Abbott), Zoe Alexander (Damon Alexander), Hannah Riney, Alexis Abbott, Grayson Riney, Ty Riney, Luke White, Lyla White, Levi Wimberley, and Nadalie Dorris; and six great grandchildren: Logan Self, Aiden Self, Peyton Lambert, Remi Stoner, Ellowen Alexander, and Acelynn Cliff; and though not related by blood, two lifelong friends as close as siblings: Donnie and Tracy Bowman. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends old and new.
Jan was a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and worked in her community as a teacher at Caruthersville High School and Caruthersville Christian Academy, as a business owner of Caterpillar to Butterflies Daycare, and as a private duty in-home caretaker through the years to several elderly clients. She had a passion for teaching children about God's Word and the limitless love of her Savior Jesus, and did so for 45 years as a Sunday School teacher to many hundreds of children at Jesus Name Tabernacle. She was infamous for loving people as they were, and the last few years of her life she devoted much of her time to Help on Hand, a non-profit organization founded with a mission to help change the lives of those battling drug and alcohol addictions.
Jan epitomized selflessness with her joyful and generous nature. Those who knew Jan will remember her for her deep rooted and unwavering faith in Jesus, and devotion to her family and her church, Jesus Name Tabernacle.
The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Janice Marie Cumpton will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Jesus Name Tabernacle in Caruthersville, MO, with Pastor Richard Lee and Assistant Pastor Jarred Yates officiating. Her body will afterward be interred at Maple Cemetery in Caruthersville. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Although Jan's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, dear Nanny, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.
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