Janice Ashcraft Kimbrell

Janice Ashcraft Kimbrell, age 87, formerly of Pine Bluff, died Wednesday, October 12, 2022, in Rison.   She was born May 22, 1935 in Herbine to the late Leroy and Liddie Mae Phillips Ashcraft.  One of six children, Janice received her early education in Herbine and graduated from Rison High School in 1953.  Janice and Grady Kimbrell were wed on June 8, 1953.  She was a member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Kimbrell, sisters, Ouida Ashcraft Wilson and Betty Jean Ashcraft Taylor; and brothers, Houston Ashcraft and Donald Ashcraft.

Survivors include sons, Keith Kimbrell of Sheridan, Mark “Luke” Kimbrell of Rison, and Rocky Kimbrell and Lisa of Grapevine; daughter Traci Easter and Greg of Pine Bluff.  She is also survived by her brother Phillip Ashcraft and Regina of Greenbrier, brother-in-law, Allen Wilson of Rison, and sisters-in-law, Pat Ashcraft of Pansy, and Renee Ashcraft of California.  Grandchildren: Maddie Taylor of Grapevine, Josh Kimbrell and Erin of Sheridan, Sami Kitts and Tayte of Corryton, TN, Jake Easter and Tara of Sheridan, and Harley Easter and Ryan of Rison.  Great-grandchildren:  Blair Kimbrell, Grady Kitts, Jaden Easter, Ava Easter, and Sawyer Easterling, and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and many, many sports team families.

Janice was known to all as “Ren”, a nickname given to her by her husband Grady.  Ren had many hobbies that she enjoyed.   Antiquing or junking was certainly one of her favorites.   Ren had booths in several antique malls and flea markets in several different towns over the years.   Her collections were vast, and ever changing as she found more and more treasures.  Ren also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and cooking big family meals.   Roast and cream potatoes with gravy were always on the menu, along with multiple desserts.   She attended an enormous number of dance and gymnastics practices, recitals, and performances.  But most everyone who knew Ren, knew that sports were her biggest favorite.    From Tee Ball, Little League, Jr. Babe Ruth, Babe Ruth, American Legion Ball, College Sports, Professional Sports, and of course, any and all Softball – Ren was there or watching on her multiple TVs and listening on the radio.  If at the ballpark, you would find her in her lawn chair, cheering on her team, while wearing her favorite color of yellow, regardless of the team she was supporting at the time.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 16, 2022, at Buie Funeral Home in Rison, with Brother Michael Walls officiating.    Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.   Interment will follow in Prosperity Cemetery.

Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216.