Janice L Wilson

Remembering Mrs. Janice L. Wilson’s Journey of Life

“ Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that’s where I am; there ye maybe also.” John 14:1-3

Sadly, our beloved mother, Mrs. Janice L. Wilson (maiden- Harris), died on Monday, June 29, 2026, after a rough battle with breast cancer. She was affectionately known as, “Jan” to her dear family and friends, “Nana” to her grandchildren and “Gigi” to her great-grand child.

Momma was born on Sunday, December 13, 1953, to Mr. John Henry Harris and Mrs. Ethel Maggie Harris (maiden- Stephens) at Freedmens Hospital in Washington, DC.

Momma was educated in the Washington, DC, public school system. The last school she attended for a period of time was Woodrow Wilson Senior High School. She later obtained her GED (General Education Degree). She and Larry D. Wilson, both lived on the same street with their families in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, DC. They would later get married and have two daughters, Melika S. Wilson in 1973 and Charmaine M. Wilson in 1975. They married on February 24, 1973 (they have been separated over 40 years).

Years later, mom attended Martha Washington technical school where she learned to type some 95 plus words a minute. Her instructor often praised her for her exceptional typing skills. Her instructor encouraged her to work for the court system; however, mom had other plans. Mom had already applied to work for the federal government at the United States Postal Service; and she did for approximately 16 years. She would later work for Local Union 639 as a forklift driver. She was very proud of obtaining her forklift driver license, being a woman and pursuing a non-traditional female role. She enjoyed and had the opportunity to set up shows at the Washington Convention Center, the Capital One Center, the National Harbor Hotel and MGM Studios for Beyonce and Jay-Z and other celebrities.

Mom was an artist too. She had the voice of an angel and she loved to sing and make beautiful music. She was also experienced in the visual arts and enjoyed drawing cartoons. Another of her creations she was proud of was her beautiful signature.

Momma was a very loving, passionate, and affectionate mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a strong advocate for protecting her family. She didn’t tolerate anyone’s nonsense, as evident by her firmly speaking her mind.

Momma did study the Bible with the Washington, DC International Christian Church, repented of her sins and was baptized on Monday, May 25, 2020. May God’s grace be with her.

Mrs. Janice leaves to cherish her loving memories, her eldest daughter, Mrs. Melika S. Wilson-Johnson (Mr. Herbert Johnson); the youngest daughter, Ms. Charmaine M. Wilson; her three grandchildren, Mrs. Gabrielle A. Brown-Rodriguez (Mr. Aiden Rodriguez); 13 year old Xavier I. Wilson; 11 year old Savannah K. Wilson; her first great-grandchild 22 month old baby girl, Mahina T. Z. Rodriguez and the bundle of joy on the way, baby boy Zion Rodriguez due October 2026.

In addition, mom still has two living siblings, the eldest, Mrs. Mildred Townsend (deceased Mr. Reginald Townsend Sr.) and the youngest, Mr. Wayne A Harris Sr. (Mrs. Victoria Harris). There are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mom was preceded in death by her father, Mr. John H. Harris, her siblings, Henrietta Harris (at birth), Mr. John Harris, Mr. James Harris Sr. (Mrs. Yvonne Moore), Mrs. Willa Mae Collins (maiden- Harris) (deceased Mr. Robert Collins), Mr. Nathaniel L. Harris Sr. (deceased Mrs. Joyce Harris) and her mother Mrs. Ethel M. Little (maiden- Stephens) (deceased Mr. Walter Little), affectionately known as “Momma Dear.”

Momma, you are dearly missed and forever loved.

There will be a memorial service later in the year. Please contact the family via text at 202-725-3236 for more information.