Janice Rae Ellis, age 81, of Mayfield, passed away on October 25, 2026, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Center in Paducah. She was born in Paducah, KY on January 26, 1945, to the late Thornton E. Alvey and Eva Mae Bobo Alvey.
Janice was a proud 1964 graduate of Heath High School, graduating alongside her twin sister, Phyllis. Janice and Phyllis shared many moments, including accepting Christ at the age of 17 at the High Point Pentecostal Church in West Paducah. She spent many years as a long-time employee at K-Mart in Paducah and later in Texas. Her work ethic and steady presence made her a valued part of every place she served. She later retired from the Aldine School District in Texas, where she continued to demonstrate the same dedication and care that had marked her entire career. Faith was central to Janice’s life, and she attended High Point Baptist Church in Mayfield.
Janice was caring and giving, finding joy in simple but meaningful things. She loved cooking and baking, and she especially enjoyed trying online recipes to see if they were good, with a special fondness for desserts. Her kitchen was often a place of comfort and creativity, where she shared her talents with those she loved. She also enjoyed gardening with flowers and taking care of her roses, finding peace and satisfaction in nurturing beauty and watching it grow.
Above all else, Janice was a passionate grandmother who deeply loved her grandchildren. She treasured her role in their lives and took great pride in being a source of encouragement, support, and affection. Her family knew her as someone who listened, cared, and gave wholeheartedly. The love she shared with her grandchildren was one of the greatest joys of her life, and her influence will continue to be felt through the memories she helped create.
Janice is survived by her husband of 48 years, Leslie E. Ellis of Mayfield; her three daughters, Laurie Ann Foster of Mayfield, Nicole Lynn Rogers of Wingo, and Rachel Renee Ellis of Mayfield; her three sisters, Phyllis Kae Cox of Paducah, Wanda Kern of Paducah, and Aline Butler of Tennessee; and her brother, Ernest (Katie) Alvey of Paducah; her four grandchildren, Alexander Michael Foster, Hope Lynn (Adam) Campbell, Faith Renee Paulin and Destiny Marie Mikel; her two great-grandchildren, Lyric Campbell and Penny Campbell along with several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her four brothers, Edmond Alvey, Billy Alvey, Charles Alvey, and Kenneth Alvey.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Rev. Darrick Holloman officiating. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Paducah. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter, 500 N 12th St, Mayfield, KY 42066. Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
