Janice Marie Bledsoe entered her heavenly home peacefully April 9th, 2024. Janice was surrounded by family and friends at the Manor at Elfindale, which she called home since February 27, 2023.

Janice was born August 8, 1939, to Roy Clemmons and Mary Clemmons in Dallas County. She graduated from Tunas High School in 1957. After graduation, Janice moved to Springfield, Missouri, where she received her associate’s degree in business from Drury University.

Shortly after moving to Springfield, Janice met the love of her life, Hershel (Jim) Bledsoe. They were united in marriage on June 27, 1959, at the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Marshfield, Missouri. Janice and Jim spent 63 wonderful years together before his death on December 27, 2022.

After moving to Willard in 1966, Janice became employed by Hutchens Industries in Springfield, working in payroll for the next 32 years.

Janice was a faithful believer and accepted Christ at a young age. The Bledsoes joined Willard First Baptist Church where Janice would teach Sunday School and serve as the church treasurer for forty years. The Bledsoes spent their last years attending Hamlin Baptist Church in Springfield.

Janice was a proud member of the order of the Eastern Star for over fifty years. She was a member of Crescent Chapter #21 Rogersville. She was honored to serve as Worthy Grand Matron of Missouri from 1999 – 2000.

After retirement, Janice and Hershel worked for the Springfield Cardinals from the inaugural season until the close of the 2022 season. She enjoyed greeting fans at gates one and three. Janice also enjoyed working at Missouri State University events.

Janice was proceeded in death by her husband, Hershel Bledsoe; parents, Roy and Mary Clemmons; and brothers, Gary Clemmons and George Brady.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Colwell; granddaughter, Amanda Crandall and her husband Nick of Willard, Missouri; grandson, Cody Wallace and his wife Lauren of Ladue, Missouri; and three great granddaughters, Baylee, Adeline, and Presley.

Her beloved family also included nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Manor at Elfindale, where Janice received great care, love, and respect. A heartfelt thank you is also given to Integrity Hospice of Springfield. Thank you to each staff member who cared for Janice.

A visitation will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home East (3540 E. Seminole Springfield, Missouri) on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The visitation will include an Eastern Star service at 6:45 pm.

A celebration of life for Janice will be held at Green Lawn Funeral Home East on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 2:30 PM. Final internment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens following the service Saturday. A butterfly release will be done in honor of Janice’s life.

Donations may be made to Integrity Hospice of Springfield (2131 E. Primrose Street, Springfield, Missouri 65807) in lieu of flowers.