Rev. Janice Sweet Fairley's Obituary
“If I Can Help Somebody....”
Janice Marie Sweet Fairley was born August 18, 1946 in Albion, Michigan to the union of James “Jimmy” and Edna Sweet. At the age of 12, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and united with the Original Church of God under the late Bishop Harold Speights. Janice was educated in the Battle Creek Public School System and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1964. She was a proud Bearcat. She later attended Michigan State University and Jackson Community College. Janice became employed with Michigan Bell Telephone Company, later known as AT&T, and began a long and successful career until she retired. Not wanting to be still, in 1999 she became employed with NCO Financial Systems as Manager of Quality Assurance. That employment ended in 2012.
Janice met and fell in love with the love of her life, Mr. James Fairley, “Big Daddy”. They were united in Holy Matrimony on May 28, 1977. She embraced his children as her own. She and James became involved with a CB Radio group, where her handle was, “Lady Pain Killer”. She was known across the country as one who brought inspiration to the group. In the late 1970’s she united with the Second Baptist Church of Jackson, Michigan under the pastorate of the late Pastor Amos Polk Williams. She loved her pastor and he loved her! At Second Baptist she was actively involved in the Christian Education ministry, becoming a Sunday School and Baptist Training Union teacher. She also served in the Music Ministry (because she loved singing) and sang with the Pastor’s Chorus and Mass Choir. Lastly she served as Church Secretary.
Janice loved her Jackson Community. She served as former president and executive committee member of the Jackson County Branch NAACP, member of the South Central Education Association, Jackson County Foundation Board of Directors, United Way of Jackson County, State of Michigan Department of Human Services Board and others too numerous to list. In 2005 she co-founded Sisters-in-Ministry, a community based ministry which encouraged people to follow their God given gifts. In 2010 she ran for public office as the Democratic nominee for Liberty township County Commissioner. Loving children, she became the Founder and President of Sweet-Fairley Watchful Advocacy Program for Parents-a non-profit group whose efforts were to empower and coach parents to ensure their children received the best education possible.
In 2014, Janice united with the United People’s Community Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Billy E. Pierce, Jr. There she was licensed and ordained as a gospel preacher. She served faithfully until health no longer permitted. On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, Rev. Fairley answered the Master’s call and made her transition from earth to glory. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother; Ellen Sweet, brother; Darrell Frederick Sweet (aka Buster), sister; Jerry Horton and step-son; Darryle Fairley.
She leaves to treasure her memory, her husband; James Fairley, step-children; Carmen, Timothy, Tonette, Reeta and Shonda Fairley, sisters; Joyce Sweet, Elizabeth Ann Sweet, Julaine (Algin) Scott, Stella McBride, brothers; Huey James Sweet (aka Butchy), Ronald Sweet and Kenneth Sweet, 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, special niece/daughter; Stephanie Sweet, special great nephew; DeShawn Sweet Jr. (she called him Mister) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends. Lafayette, William Lafayette, and Johnnie Lafayette Archie Frank.
“Then My Living Shall Not Be In Vain....”
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