Mary Janice Ellenburg

Janice Green Ellenburg was born March 5, 1943 in Atlanta, GA to parents Thomas Mack Green and Mary Watkins Green. She had one brother, Tom Green. Her early years were spent in the Riverdale/Jonesboro GA area. She graduated from Jonesboro High School and was a member of Riverdale Presbyterian Church. After high school she attended Valdosta State College and then enrolled in a business school in Atlanta. Her first job was as a secretary with Sherwin Williams Paint Company where she met her future husband Homer Marcus Ellenburg.

On December 23, 1964 they were married and resided in Smyrna, GA where their three children (Rhonda, Julie and Brad) were born and spent their early school years. Janice immediately bonded with Homer's brother and two sisters. Their families became friends and spent many fun trips and family events together over the years. Later the family moved to West Cobb County and the children attended McEachern High School and were Members of Midway Presbyterian Church.

Janice's universe was her family and she was completely devoted to them. She loved being a wife and mother who enjoyed cooking, ironing (truly her favorite thing!) and chauffeuring the children to sport and school events. All the children were encouraged to pursue their interests in sports and activities. Janice and Homer's second child, Julie, was born with special needs. Janice was her biggest champion and was tireless in her effort to care for Julie and make sure she enjoyed the same quality of life as her other two children. When Janice saw Julie's love of the water and potential as a swimmer she encouraged Julie and made sure she had opportunities to compete. Julie went to two International Special Olympic games and won multiple gold medals with her mom as her biggest cheerleader. Janice opened her home to all of the children's friends and enjoyed hosting pool parties and gatherings for the kids. She met everyone with a big warm smile. Her home was known as a warm welcoming place to be.

She was very proud to have supported and guided daughter Rhonda to earning a BS degree from Florida State University and son Brad earning a BS degree from Presbyterian College. Julie continues to live at home with her parents and became a source of joy and support in Janice's later years.

In addition to supporting her children Janice gave the same 100% love, devotion and support to her husband and his job. Homer's job eventually took them to Oil City, PA for 8 years followed by Shreveport, LA and Dallas, TX before retiring. She enjoyed joining Homer when possible or required in entertaining customers. Janice also enjoyed traveling to many places with Homer for business and pleasure. Some of the places they visited included Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Hawaii, Switzerland, Germany, Paris, and the US National Parks in the West.

In later years Janice enjoyed her 5 grandchildren (Katie, Allie, Lucas, Marc & Trey) immensely. Her favorite family vacations were to Daytona Beach, FL where many fun times were had on the beach with her husband, children and grandchildren.

Unfortunately her life was shortened by Alzheimer's disease which robbed her of her quality of life too soon. Janice is survived by her husband of 52 years Homer Ellenburg; her daughter Rhonda and granddaughters Katie and Allie of Loveland, CO; her daughter Julie of Cumming, Ga.; her son Brad and wife Angie and grandsons Lucas, Marc and Trey of Cumming, Ga.; and her brother and sister in law Tom and Celeste Green of McDonough, GA.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Janice's memory to either Johns Creek Presbyterian Church at 10950 Bell Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097 or to Special Olympics Georgia, 4000 Dekalb Tech Parkway, Suite 400, Building 400, Atlanta, GA 30340.

The family will receive friends on Monday March 20, 2017 from 2pm-3pm at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church where a memorial service will follow at 3pm

Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886.9899

Monday, March 20, 2017
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Johns Creek Presbyterian Church
10950 Bell road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

Monday, March 20, 2017
03:00 PM

Johns Creek Presbyterian Church
10950 Bell road
Johns Creek, GA 30097