Janice Laverne Williams was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 16, 1944, to Levi and Eula (Anderson) Dobbins. She was steadfast in her walk with God and to her family's values of faith, service, hard work, and education.

During her teen years, she sang in the youth choir and was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship. In Dayton she was active in Dixon and McKinley Churches, serving on various administrative boards and singing in the senior choir.

Janice was a product of Cincinnati Public Schools, and Central State University. 

Janice began her professional career with the Internal Revenue Service prior to marrying Robert Williams. They moved to his army duty station in Plattsburg, New York. Upon returning to Ohio Janice and Robert began a family with their daughter, Robyn. Janice worked for Payco and then Macy's until her retirement. She returned to the workforce as a teacher's aide in Dayton Public Schools. During summers she also worked as a teacher for Dayton Freedom Schools, providing educational enrichment for elementary school youth and supervising work opportunities for college student mentors. 

Janice also participated in public service such as voter registration, especially during the Obama presidential campaigns. At McKinley Methodist Church, she established Janice's Closet which provided free clothing for people in need. She enjoyed bowling, wedding planning, arts and crafts, travel, and music.

She will be missed by her daughter, Robyn Roberson (Jordan); grandson, Isaiah Jackson; great grandson, Adrian Jackson; two living siblings, Barbara Bronson and Dr. James Dobbins; along with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews mourn the loss of their family griot. She lives in the hearts of her church family, especially Barbara Hayden, Katie Wilson, and Raymond Hammond who were a daily support. The many children whom she loved and taught will fondly remember her as Grandma Williams.