Janice Kay Blacklock Porter, 69, passed away on August 18 at her home in Bryant. She was funny, generous, secretive, loving, and stubborn-–sometimes within the same afternoon. She was complicated, she was loved, and she will be missed.

Janice was the third child born to Roy and Ruth “Curly” Blacklock, but she was their only daughter–and her parents treated her as though she were the First Daughter. Like most parents, they were certain their daughter was the prettiest girl in town, but the city of Bryant validated their beliefs by crowning Janice Little Miss Bryant when she was three years old.

But Janice abandoned the pristine dresses and tiaras to embrace her tomboy side and follow her older brothers into the world of sports. For Janice, it was softball that became a lifelong passion. She shared that love with her son, cheering him on from countless sets of bleachers. Years later, she watched women’s softball from home just for the fun of the game.

Janice married and settled in Texas, where she spent much of the next thirteen years raising her two children. Life revolved around school, summer trips to the lake or to Arkansas, and weekly visits to the county library to feed her daughter’s voracious appetite for books. Church was an important part of family life during those years, and Janice’s faith remained important to her throughout her life.

When her marriage ended, she had no money, very little work experience, and a family to support. So she went to work. She took the first thing she was offered, a sewing job. Then she found a position as a crew member at Burger King. While working for the company, Janice decided to return home to Arkansas, where she worked her way up to assistant manager. She later left food service and spent years working as a county clerk before retiring.

Janice’s interests were varied. She was a self-taught crocheter, quite the feat for a left-hander. She enjoyed slot machines, mystery boxes, and cigarettes considerably more than anyone around her wished she did. Despite having access to a seemingly endless library of television channels and streaming options, Janice could usually be found watching old episodes of The Price Is Right or other vintage game shows during the day. At night, she told her brother that she and her dog Cody were going to bed to watch Gunsmoke because “Marshal Matt Dillon always got his man.”

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Charles Blacklock and David Blacklock; and her son, Glenn Porter.

She leaves behind her daughter, Jana Porter of Benton; a brother, Joey Blacklock of Bossier City; and many loyal friends and extended family.  She is also deeply missed by her true partner-in-crime and the most popular member of her family, Cody, who rarely left her side and was always there to keep her secrets.

Declaring a desire “not to be a bother,” Janice made it clear that she did not want a service, and the family has decided to honor that wish.

Cremation arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com