Janice Kay Pharis Schexnaydre's Obituary
Janice Kay Pharis Schexnaydre laid down the burdens of this life and entered eternal rest on June 13, 2026, at 4:11 p.m. Surrounded by the love of her family, she was held in love until her final breath. We find comfort in knowing she was welcomed into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with the family, friends, and beloved companions who had gone before her. Her family rejoices in the peace and freedom she now knows, released from the burdens of this world and resting fully in God's grace.
Born on February 17, 1953 and raised in the Alexandria/Pineville area of Louisiana, Janice was a country girl at heart. Known affectionately as “Boop” after Betty Boop, Janice carried that nickname since childhood. To those who loved her, she was every bit as beautiful as her namesake.
She had her beloved pony, Bingo, and a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs, finding great joy in the companionship they brought her. We take comfort in imagining her reunited with Jackie Boy, Sophia, Maggie, Sebastian, Teddy Boy, and the many cherished pets she loved throughout her life.
Janice's love was deep and generous. She cared for those she loved with her whole heart as best as she could. Though life's challenges, changes, and uncertainties were not always easy for her to bear, God's love and grace always surrounded her, and she tried to hold onto it through the storms of this life. In her final days, as her mind began to fade, the love of her family remained a steady presence around her, carrying her with tenderness and grace.
As a registered nurse for 46 years, she dedicated her compassion, skill, and care to her patients while forming lifelong friendships with her coworkers. Nursing was more than a profession to Janice; it was an expression of her caring heart and desire to serve others. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her career and touched countless lives.
She was the beloved mother of Joni Lynn Schexnaydre, Christopher Scott Schexnaydre, and Kerry Yvonne Schexnaydre Tingley; cherished mother-in-law to Kenneth Tingley; and proud grandmother to Amelia-Grace Rose Holmes, Elizabeth Rosalie Holmes, Benjamin Pierce Tingley, Hayleigh Jo Tingley, and Greyson Kenneth Tingley. She was joyfully anticipating the arrival of her first great-grandson through Amelia-Grace. Janice shared her children with their father, Raymond Glynn Schexnaydre.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Huey Pierce Pharis and Jo Lois Lalanne Pharis, and by her sister, Jane Ann Pharis Snow. She is survived by her brother, Keith Pharis, and her sister, Melanie Pharis O'Shee, whom she loved very much. She also held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews, loving them as if they were her own children.
A celebration of Janice's life will be held at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana 70433, on June 20, 2026. Visitation with the family will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Following the service, an Afterlife Celebration will be held at The Camellia Hall, 41429 West I-55 Service Road, Hammond, Louisiana 70403, where all are welcome to continue celebrating Janice's life, laughter, and lasting legacy together.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and medical professionals at St. Tammany Hospital who provided compassionate care and skill during her final hours, as well as the staff of North Oaks Medical Center during her last several hospitalizations.
The family thanks everyone for their kindness, skill, and dedication that brought comfort to both Janice and her family during a difficult journey. Janice's memory will live on in the hearts of her cherished family and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she shared and the lives she touched will remain with us until the day we are reunited with her again.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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