Dr. Janice Hardaway

Dr. Janice Sales Hardaway of Athens, Tn transitioned peacefully in her home on March 13, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Janice was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, avid ministry related church worker and community service support person.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Janice attended public school, and began her post-secondary education receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Two additional educational aspirations were obtained after relocating to Athens: Master of Science Degree from University of Tennessee of Chattanooga in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, and a Doctorate of Ministry from the Ministry International Institute.

Although noted as having a quieter disposition, Janice’s work ethics and civic focused investments, spoke as to her desire to be impactful. During her years in Athens Janice worked for the McMinn County Department of Human Services; Cleveland State Community College as a Financial Aid Director; Johnson Controls as an Employee Relations Supervisor and retired as the company’s Human Resource Manager. Even in retirement, she taught as an Adjunct Professor at TWU. Outside of the workforce, with 35 plus years in the city, some of Janice's civic connectivity included: Athens Regional Planning Commission, Athens Utilities Board, Optimist Club, Greater Athens Personnel Association, Tennessee Wesleyan Business Department, United Way Boards, and the Athens Education Foundation. Above all else in life esteemed or attained, Janice’s treasure was her Faith in God, life of worship, family, and service in ministry. She served as a pastoral helpmeet with her husband for 19 years at First Church of Sweetwater. Cherishing her memories: her loving husband of 49 years Dr. Vant H. Hardaway, two daughters, Ms. Vanessa Hardaway; Mrs. Julie (Brandon) Williams, and their children Destiny, Jakobi, and Sydney, one sister Angela Fe’ Sales, and a wealth of lovingly connected relatives and friends. The family requests that those that desire in lieu of floral arrangements may contribute to the “J.S. Hardaway Association” to aid some of her favorite causes.

Simmons Bank 1612, Congress Pkwy South ,Athens, TN 37030 

Home going services will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Light of Life Faith Ministries International 1112 Congress Parkway North Athens, TN. 37303, with Elder Michael B. Swinney of Bethel Christian Assembly, Fayetteville, NC, and Apostle Joseph Hamilton-pastor of Zion Church and founder of Apostlic International Alliance delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 1:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m in the chapel of M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home – Athens, TN and also on Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Interment will follow the service on Saturday at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

SEE FULL PROGRAM BY CLICKING ON THE PDF BELOW