Obituary

Many griefs and sorrows I have witnessed,

Lord, on my path, but on that bright tomorrow, he will mend

and heal my wounded heart

When the best I've done for thee then

blessed come to me

And after I have done my best

And I will find, yes, a peaceful rest

Then my Savior, will carry me home

Janice Merrita Johnson was born on October 17, 1964, to Ronald Gaskins and Maria Donikin. Her mother later married Howard Johnson, who then adopted Janice. At an early age, she accepted Christ and became an active member of Pleasant View Baptist Church in Columbia. She served on the choir, the ushers ministry, the praise team, and as the church clerk.

Janice attended Cumberland County schools, graduating from Cumberland High School in 1983. In 1995, she joined the Virginia Department of Corrections and worked at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women Her work as an officer led her to serve as an FTO, training new recruits. She later became the treatment secretary until her retirement in 2021.

On April 20, 1985, she married the love of her life, Bruce Tinsley, Sr. Janice enjoyed spending time with her family, attending church, and praying for her family and loved ones. She was always willing to stop and pray with someone. One of her favorite pastimes was going out to eat, but at home, she was famous for her seafood pasta salad, a family favorite.

Janice went home to be with her heavenly father on Saturday, August 24, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Maria and Howard Johnson and biological father.

She leaves to cherish wonderful memories, her devoted husband, Bruce Tinsley, Sr., children; Rodrequis Tinsley, Rodsheka Woodard (Charles), Bruce Tinsley, Jr., KaNyiah Tinsley; two grandchildren, Zymir Woodard, Aiden Woodard; siblings, Mary White (Larry), Margie Johnson, Howard Johnson (Geri Powell), Willie Johnson (Keisha); aunts, Sylvia Ford, Betty Boatwright; great aunt, Daisy Hampton, great uncle, Lloyd Brown; brother-in law, James Tinsley (Carolyn), sister-in-law, Isabel Tinsley; close friends, Barbara Johnson, Elnease Clark, and Diane Monroe, who were with her until her last breath, along with several, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me and I'm not here to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you

And each time you think of me, I'll know you miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,

That, an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.

And said my place was ready in heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,

For all my life I always thought I didn't want to die,

I had so much to live for and so much to do,

It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,

I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.

I could relive yesterday, I thought for just a while,

I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see a smile.

But then I fully realized that this could never be,

for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.

So, when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart.

for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

Acknowledgements

Janice's family would like to thank all who expressed their love during our bereavement. It is all deeply appreciated. May God continue to shower you with blessings.

Repast: Goochland Recreation Center - 3pm -6pm