Janis Dillard

Janis E. Dillard, 66, of Battle Creek, Michigan, came face-to-face with Jesus, her Savior on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Through her years of battling cancer, Janis’ testimony was “all was well with her soul” and her hope was in the Lord. She was born March 21, 1950 in Dayton, Tennessee daughter of the late Curtis and Mary (Cochran) Dillard. Janis moved with her family to Battle Creek before the age of three and is survived by her sister, Connie Dillard of Cleveland, Tennessee and many cousins. A graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Michigan University and began her career as Office Manager for the medical practice of John J.H. Schwarz, MD. She was self-employed as a consultant for various medical practices from 1991-92 and in 1993; she was hired as Operations Director at Family Health Center of Battle Creek (Grace Health). Janis was instrumental in increasing access to quality healthcare for underserved and uninsured in our community. She retired in 2014 as Vice President of Operations, Chief Operation Officer with a legacy as mentor, motivator, and advocate for the staff and patients. Janis was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 40 years. She enjoyed working with children for many years in the Primary Department of Sunday School and served as a member of the Christian Education Committee. For relaxation, Janis loved listening to music. She loved all types of music and often started her work day with music that would energize her and lead to impromptu dancing and gathering of co-workers around her office. She had fun looking for political pins, with family and friends adding to her collection. Janis enjoyed reading, playing games on her computer and putting together jigsaw puzzles. She loved learning about history at the local, state and national level. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1625 Capital Avenue, NE, Battle Creek with visitation one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2016 in Smith-Wilke Cemetery in Evensville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or Gideon’s International. “It’s a new dawn, It’s a new day, It’s a new life for me…and I’m feeling good”. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home www.henryfuneralhome.org

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