Pastor Janice D. Echols McHaney

ECHOLS MCHANEY, Pastor Janice D. - Age 61, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10:30 AM Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Foss Avenue Baptist Church, 1159 E. Foss Avenue, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM, Bishop William Murphy, Jr. officiating. Pastor Justin Ross Hillard Eulogist. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10:30 AM Saturday. Pastor McHaney will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM -6:00 PM Friday. Pastor Janice Darcell Echols McHaney entered with life on Friday, June 24, 1960, in Flint, MI to Gertrude and Robert Echols, Jr. As the sixth child of eight, Pastor Janice learned at a very early age the importance of family closeness, and she loved her family dearly. As often as possible, she was always surrounded by her sisters, brothers, and cousins, especially her cousin Paula, known as her “partner in crime.” Matriculating through the Flint Community Schools, Pastor Janice excelled in academics and graduated early from Northwestern High school. Following high school, she attended Michigan State University, where she met her closest friend Millicent Reynolds (Jones). In 1978, while working at a restaurant, Pastor Janice met the love of her life, Frederick McHaney. After dating for a year, Pastor Janice and Fred were married on August 7, 1979. Their friendship and love for each other was irreplaceable; throughout the ebbs and flows of life, they always had each other’s back. Their love of over 43 years gave birth to two daughters. Pastor Janice was a loving and faithful wife and mother who enjoyed spending quality time with her working man, eating home-cooked popcorn, and watching a good movie. And her greatest joys in life were raising her two beautiful daughters and spoiling her grandbabies Josiah and Gabby. After experiencing a traumatic car accident in the early ’90s, Pastor Janice did not allow her memory deficits to keep her from pursuing the goals and mission God placed in her heart. She was so proud of the fact that she went back to school and obtained her Bachelors and Masters of Theology, at the same time, from Destiny School of Ministry in Roseville, MI. From an early age, Pastor McHaney had a heart of worship and a desire to work in service to the Lord. At the age of 13, she yielded her life to the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at the Foss Avenue Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Avery Aldridge. She served in numerous ministries but most commonly could be seen worshipping in the choir. Her distinct sound of praise would reverb throughout the sanctuary. Everyone knew when Sis. McHaney was in church! Sensing a deeper call from the Lord to preach His Gospel, Pastor Janice attended Agape Bible College and joined the New Beginnings Church under the leadership of Apostle Clarence Lewis. While at New Beginnings, she resumed training for the preaching ministry and continued to worship in the choir, but her heart was turned toward the pantry ministry. She took pride in feeding the hungry and praying for families in need. In 2006, at the encouragement of Apostle Lewis, Pastor Janice continued her ministry assignment with her sister, Pastor Brenda Echols-Smith, at No One Without (NOW) Ministries. After the unexpected passing of her sister in 2007, she accepted the next call of the Lord and was installed as senior pastor in 2008 and faithfully served NOW Ministries for 13 years. God used Pastor Janice’s life’s traumas to develop her in the ministry of intercession, build her gift of faith, and construct her pastoral and prophetic ministry. She was a faith-filled warrior and intercessor who lived what she preached: holiness and righteousness is God’s only way. Pastor McHaney’s overall testament is that she is “an overcomer with a heart to serve.” She carried God’s heart for the poor and disadvantaged. Whether it be natural, emotional, or spiritual nourishment, she always yielded herself to feed God’s sheep. People would naturally gravitate to her loving spirit and joyful presence. There was no stranger she would meet. Wherever she was, she made sure No One was Without Ministry. Pastor Janice Darcell Echols McHaney leaves to keep her memory alive: husband, Frederick of Mt. Morris, MI; two daughters, Mrs. Israel (Sharrod) Campbell of Beecher, MI and Elder Asia Brianna of Mt. Morris, MI; 2 grandchildren, Josiah and Gabrielle; 3 sisters and 1 brother, Rosie Finney, Evelyn Echols, Renell Echols and William Echols Sr.; uncle, Richard Hampton; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. Additionally, Pastor Janice was a Spiritual Mother in the Faith to many, including, Deshawn Berry of Euless, TX, Pastor Justin (Amaris) Ross-Hillard of New Orleans, LA, Elder Londel Cook of Saginaw, MI and Elder Ronitta Allen of Lexington, KY. Pastor Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and Robert Echols Jr.; aunt, Lovie Hampton; grandparents, Johnie Perkins, Evelyn Echols, Robert Echols Sr. and Mertise Echols; siblings, Willie James Echols, Issiede Echols and Pastor Brenda Echols-Smith.

Pastor Janice D. Echols McHaney

June 24, 1960 - July 5, 2021