Janice Louise Wilson passed away peacefully at home in Bedford Iowa on Sunday morning, August 6, 2023. She leaves a legacy of love and commitment to her family and her patients. Jan was born on the family farm on May 15, 1950 to Wilma and George Spencer of Bedford. She graduated from Bedford Community High School and matriculated at Northwest Missouri State University, majoring in English and concentrating in Music performance. She married Jim Wilson, the love of her life on April 26, 1970 and settled in Bedford where she taught English and Music at the Bedford Community High School.
She was an intuitive and versatile musician, playing classical, religious and popular pieces, and for many years accompanied the high school vocalists and instrumentalists locally and at state competitions. She founded and accompanied the vocal group, ”One Voice” in numerous performances over the years and was sought after to play for most local weddings and funerals.
She volunteered constantly; on the board of the Bedford Country Club, played for numerous community musicals in Southwest Iowa, and mentoring young women serving as a Girl Scout leader, and Grand Deputy for the International Order of Rainbow Girls. She was devoted to the United Christian Presbyterian Church and was active in leadership of its board. For most years of her adult life, you would find her playing the piano or organ at Sunday morning services. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Bedford Chapter 228, and served as Grand Organist in 2012, directing the music and playing at events throughout the state of Iowa. She was also a member of Chapter CU. P.E.O.
In mid career she returned to Northwest, obtaining a Masters in Clinical Psychology. She first counseled patients for the Shenandoah Medical Center and subsequently joined Midwest Mental Health in Shenandoah. She was very attached to her patients and cared for them throughout her illness and at the end of her struggle was more concerned for their welfare than her own.
She was predeceased by her parents George and Wilma Spencer, her son James Wilson and grandson Derek Jackson. She is survived by her husband Jim of 53 years, her children Jina (Dennis) Jackson, Jackie (Miles) Spainhower, Michelle Wilson, her brother Dennis (Mary Louise) Spencer, and six grandchildren, Devan, Danyelle, Evan, Emsley, Maizey (Wyatt) and Atticus.
Visitation will be from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 in the United Christian Presbyterian Church. The family will be in attendance from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held in the church at 10:30 AM Thursday, August 10 with internment following at Fairview Cemetery.
Philanthropic Gifts in Jan’s name should be sent to Kindra Weston at Midwest Mental Health, 523 West Sheridan Ave, Shenandoah, Ia, 51601 and will be used for uninsured patientcare and designated educational scholarships.
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