Janie Brigance

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Nora Jane “Janie” “Nana” Brigance, 57, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in the comfort of her home. Janie was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky and moved to Joplin in 1981. She was the eldest daughter of the late James Oliver Brigance, Sr. and Rebecca Ann (Barber) Brigance.

Janie worked at Nagna for several years until the business closed. She then worked at KFC and Freeman Health Systems simultaneously. She also worked in housekeeping at Mercy Hospital for many years. 

Since leaving Mercy she survived Colon Cancer in 2017. Since 2017, Janie has enjoyed spending time with her family and her beloved great nieces, Jaeden, Adellyn and EmmAnn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rebecca Ann Brigance and James Oliver Brigance, Sr.; two siblings, James Oliver Brigance, Jr. and Tammy Louise “Mam-Mam” Brigance; and her great nephews “Triplets” Keith, Karson and Kaiden Chaplin.

One Heart, One Life, One Family!

Janie is survived by her son, Michael Joseph Brigance and wife, Tiffany, of Joplin; two sisters, Suzi Brigance of Joplin and Amy Stuart and husband, John, of Neosho; five grandchildren; one great grandchild; two nieces, Samantha Bedell and husband, Will, and Dakota Chaplin and husband, Calvin; a nephew, Bobby Brigance and wife, Ashley; and five great nieces and nephews; as well as her aunt and uncle, Velma and Larry Stahl.

Graveside services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin with Larry Stahl officiating. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Michael Brigance, Bobby Brigance, Ethan Brigance, Calvin Chaplin, William Bedell and Loyd Medlock. The family will receive friends on Wednesday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin. Arrangements are under the direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.