Janice Marie Lofton Everett

Janice Marie Lofton Everett departed this life on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the age of 72. She was born in DeRidder, Louisiana on January 17, 1951, to the late Rev. Robert L. Lofton and Lillian D. Lofton.

Janice accepted the Lord as her Savior as a young child, and was baptized at the age of seven years old. She and her family were lifelong members of the Sweet Home Baptist Church. Since her youth, and over the course of her life, she was very active in the church serving as Sunday School secretary, senior choir secretary, senior choir president, church corresponding secretary, mission secretary, deaconess president, and church historian. She was also active in the New Light Missionary Baptist Association for many years.

Janice was educated in the Beauregard Parish Public School System, and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1968. She continued her education at Grambling State University where she earned an associate’s degree in business administration from Grambling’s Delta School of Business. She worked at the Kirby Lumber Company in Bon Weir, TX, where she retired after 17 years.

On April 24, 1982, she was united in marriage to Melvin Everett Sr., and together they birthed one son, Melvin Everett Jr.

Janice actively served the DeRidder community through her work with the Council on Aging, Senior Citizen Meal Group, and in her role as a certified voter’s commissioner in charge. She also served as the secretary of the George Washington Carver Reunion Committee for many years.

Most fondly known as “Jankie”, “Aunt Jankie”, and “Gladys Knight” among family and friends, her memory will be cherished by two sisters and two brothers, Brenda Joyce Lofton Wesley, Leesville, LA; Shelda Lofton Kelso (Matthew), Crowley, LA; Robert Louis Lofton Jr. (Mattie), Houston, TX; Michael Darrell Lofton, Crowley, LA. She also leaves to cherish one step daughter, Monica Lynn Bolden (Joe) DeRidder, LA.

Janice also leaves two grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends to treasure her memories.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Melvin Everett Sr., and son Melvin Everett Jr.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, 501 Carlisle St. DeRidder, LA. Pastor Kurt Bouie will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.