Janice Sue Austin Green, a woman of remarkable spirit passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at St Vincent’s Hospital, Arkansas Hospice on March 21, 2025. She was 75 years old. Born on July 25, 1949, in Aberdeen, Kentucky to Cliff and Susie Bratcher Austin. Janice lived a life filled with passion, service, and unwavering faith.
Janice was a true champion in the arena, a renowned barrel racer whose skill and determination earned her a place among the elite. She was a proud member of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and served with distinction as the President of the Great Lakes WPRA. Her exceptional talent took her to the pinnacle of her sport, the National Finals Rodeo, during its last year in Oklahoma City, where she was enshrined in the National Cowboy Museum.
Beyond the rodeo arena, Janice was a woman of diverse talents and interests. A graduate of Beauty College, she had an eye for style. She loved and nurtured horses, dogs, cats and plants. She was also a formidable competitor, traveling the United States as a member of the Arkansas Traveling Bowling Team.
She was a devoted member of the Arkansas Order of the Eastern Star, where she was elected as Worthy Grand Matron (WGM) of the State. Her passion for supporting a life of faith was evident in her avid support of the Eastern Star Training for Religious Leadership (ESTARL) program, which provides scholarships to aspiring Christian leaders. In her year as WGM, she was instrumental in raising over $20,000 in donations to the Arkansas Humane Society.
Above all, Janice was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She lived her life as a testament to her love for Jesus Christ, a guiding light that shone brightly in all she did. Her active participation in her community and her unwavering support of others reflected the true essence of her Christian Spirit.
Janice is survived by her loving husband, Johnny Green, of Jacksonville; two daughters, Ashley Green (Chris Jones of Little Rock) and Lisa Bibb; sisters, Barbra Ackerson (Jim of Stanford, Illinois) and Peggy Burden; brother Joseph Austin (Vickie of Clinton, Illinois); several grandchildren and great grandchildren including Ryan and Avery Tucker (of Phoenix, Arizona); many cherished nieces and nephews and a vast network of dear friends. The family would like to thank the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Multiple Myeloma treatment team lead by Dr. Samer Al Hadidi and Heather Brown, APRN.
A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Crossroads Cowboy Church in El Paso, Arkansas with visitation at 1 pm, memorial service at 2 pm in the main sanctuary, followed immediately by a potluck in the church’s fellowship hall. Friends and family are invited to share memories while breaking bread.
Flowers may be sent to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, or memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County: https://warmhearts.org/memorial-gifts/
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
13 Comments
I never met her but Johnny and I have been friends since the early 80s, And I am so Sorry
Sister Jan was a wonderful ,sweet , loving person with whom I’m glad to have known ! The short time we got to go to church together was great she was great with the kids, she loved to sing in the choir she always had a sweet loving spirit !May God give her husband comfort and the family that only God can give! Love u Jan!
Johnny, We are thinking of you, your daughters and family during this sad time.
I feel blessed that I was able to meet Janice during a Razorback football game.
God Bless
So sorry to hear of Ur wife’s passing. Remember me we were on a plane long ago & I went to some of Ur auctions. I’m 78 & had 2 strokes & not feeling well at times. God bless Ur family. I will be thinking of u all on wed. I won’t be able to go.
Remember you well. My daughter is 55 now and an APRN in mental health. She too, remembers Capt. Lipsey and our trip to Hawaii. Thank you for your comments.
Thank you so much Captain Lipsey. I have good memories being 12 yrs old, our Hawaii trip & of how you knew your way around that KC 135 refueler. We took sack lunches and our sodas froze underneath the jump seats. It was so cold once we were in the air and so warm (thank God) and beautiful when we landed on Oahu. Prayers for your recovery and healing.
Johnny, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers of comfort are with you and your family.
My heart hurts and rejoices with yours, Mr. Green.
Mr. Green me and Manuel are so sorry for your lose. you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers and if you need anything we are here for you
I had the pleasure of taking care of Mrs Green at UAMS. I got to know both her and Mr Green while taking care of her while she was in the hospital. They are both people that I will never forget. May her memory be a blessing.
Maddie. She thought you were the best RN ever. She once told one of the nurses trying to give her meds to send Maddie in and she would take them, otherwise no. Thank you so much for your kindness.
MR. JOHNNY AND FAMILY,
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR WIFE AND MOTHER. IT IS NEVER EASY TO LOSE A PART OF YOUR HEART AND SOUL. PRAYERS FOR THE DAYS AND WEEKS TO COME. MAY GOD HELP YOU DURING THIS PAINFUL TIME.
Johnny, working and traveling to Alaska with you taught me so much. I only wish I met your beautiful Janice. Your face beamed with joy when you talked about her. Please know I’ll always be here for you, as you were for me. Try to cherish all of the fond memories you made over the years with the love of your life. God Bless, I love you❤️
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