Janice Marie Smith Abernathy

Janice Marie Smith Abernathy, 81, a resident of Lexington, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2021 in Spring Arbor Nursing and Assisted Living in Thomasville. Janice was born in Davidson County on May 23, 1940 to the late Sidney F. and Virgil Everhart Smith. She attended Ashmore Business College and worked for the Davidson County School System until her retirement. Janice was a lifelong member of Mt. Tabor United Church of Christ where she was a member of the choir and a past President of the Women’s Guild. Janice enjoyed traveling, gardening, canning vegetables, but she especially loved to go shopping. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J. Wayne Abernathy; a brother, Max Smith; and two sisters, Joyce Varner and Martha Power.

Janice is survived by her children, John Abernathy (Laura) of Lexington, Lori Gerlock (Jeff) of Trinity, and Penny Rose (Paul) of Mocksville; a sister, Shirley Koontz (Mike) of Taylorsville; grandchildren, Brianna Marks (Colby), Abbie Doss, Jason Abernathy, Lexi Gerlock, Jenna Gerlock, and Laura Gerlock; and her work sisters, Brenda, Susan, Janette, and JoAnn.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 3:00 PM in Mt. Tabor United Church of Christ with Rev. Darrell Sluder officiating. The family will greet friends prior to the service at the church beginning at 2:00 PM. in lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Mt. Tabor United Church of Christ, 1002 E. Holly Grove Road, Lexington, NC 27292 and/or The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Davidson Funeral Home of Lexington is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net