Janice Eppard

(From James O'Donnell Funeral Home)

Janice K. Eppard, 76, of Hannibal, MO, formerly of Joplin, MO passed away at 11:15 AM, Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, MO.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Shadel's Colonial Chapel in Lebanon, MO. Rev. Curt Riley will officiate. Burial will be at Roper Cemetery in Morgan, MO.

Friends and Family are invited to Janice's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Shadel's Colonial Chapel in Lebanon, MO.

A Memorial Service will be held at the James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO at a later date.

The family is being served by James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.

Janice was born October 15, 1949, in Lebanon, MO to Guy E. Lowrance and Hazel Burns Lowrance.

She was first married to Jim VanStavern. He preceded her in death in 1984. She later married Audie Steven Eppard on May 3, 1986, in Carterville, MO. He survives.

Other survivors include her two children, James VanStavern (Kathy) of Oklahoma City, OK, and Guyla Woodward (Randy) of Parrish, FL; sister-in-law, Barbara Lowrance; eight grandchildren, Shane VanStavern, Nyssa Sellars (Austin), Katlyn Furry (Cody), Jacob Thornton, Kayla Wharton (Brenden), Lyndsey Kanz (Tyler), Lauren Woodward (Seth Rochelle), and Jace Woodward; seven great grandchildren, Nathan Wharton, Rylan Wharton, Dawson Wharton, Lylah Jean Kanz, Casen Sellars, Adilee VanStavern, and Lilah Grace Thornton; and many nieces and nephews.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Ed Lowrance (Mary Jean), Charles Lowrance (Christena), and Larry Lowrance; and one great grandson, Corbin Wharton.

Janice worked as a church secretary for Carterville First Baptist Church and North Main Street Baptist Church in Joplin, MO.

Janice was baptized in a creek on the Jordan property and often laughed and said she was baptized in the Jordan River. She was a member of the Tabernacle of Praise Church in Hannibal, MO.

Janice found peace and inspiration in the pages of her Bible. Her faith and love for Jesus was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and her unwavering compassion for others. Janice enjoyed watching golf, especially Tiger Woods and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. Old westerns, love stories, and movies featuring horses captivated Janice's imagination. Janice's love for her cats was evident in the care and attention she lavished upon them. Above all, the greatest joy in Janice's life was the time she spent with her grandchildren. Each moment was filled with laughter, learning, and love. She instilled in them the values of respect, hard work, and the importance of family. The memories they created together will be treasured and passed down, a testament to the incredible grandmother she was. Janice will be missed by all who loved her.

Pallbearers will be Mark Randolph, Austin Sellers, Brenden Wharton, Tyler Kanz, Seth Rochelle and Garrett Warthen.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hillsdale College.