Janice Lee Erb, Cowden Road, New Wilmington, passed away at home on Wednesday afternoon, March 15, 2023. She was 87.
Jan was born Jan. 18, 1936, in Greenfield, Pa., to the late Phillip M. and Ella Mae Thompson Bartholomew. She married James Erb on Aug. 29, 1956. Mrs. Erb graduated from West Middlesex High School in 1953 and Sharon General Hospital School of Nursing in 1956. She worked as a registered nurse briefly at Sharon General Hospital and then in Lexington, Ky., while her husband attended Asbury Seminary. She and her husband served as missionaries in the Philippines from 1965 to 1969.
Janice was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She devoted much of her life to raising her family (including several foster children) and serving faithfully alongside her husband as a pastor's wife. From the early 1970s until recent years, Jan and Jim opened their home regularly for Christian gatherings and small groups including many young adults.
Raised on a small farm, Jan often spoke fondly of her childhood and the simple pleasures of growing up in the country. She was known as a kind, caring and praying person who gave a listening ear to others. She also spoke with gratitude about the opportunities to travel and minister in many countries with her husband.
Survivors include a son: Jeffrie Erb (Diana) of Utica, Ky.; and two daughters, Julie Clarke of Mercer; and Janeen Weisman (John) of New Wilmington. Also surviving is one sister, Shirley Mae Garrett of Greenville. Completing the family are nine grandchildren, Phillip Erb, Olivia Gold, Isaac Weisman, Lucas Clarke, McKenzie Watkins, John-Mark Weisman, Logan Clarke, Lydia Tarleton and Jonah Weisman; and four great-grandchildren, Chase Boling, Averie Weisman, Jude and Riley Gold. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters, Jo Lene Mitcheltree and and Joyce Criddle.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Living Word Church, New Wilmington.