Janice Elaine Hopkins, age 79, of Byron Center, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, surrounded by love.

Janice lived a life devoted to caring for others. She never sought the spotlight, but those who knew her were drawn to her quiet presence, beautiful smile, gentle humor, and enormous heart that was open to everybody.

Born on November 16, 1946, in Eaton Rapids, to Harold and Reva Steele, Janice was raised on a country farm in Stanton. She started school in a two-room schoolhouse, graduated from Lakeview High School and later moved to Grand Rapids to attend Tracy Beauty Academy. While sharing a downtown home with several young women, fate stepped in: when a roommate’s blind date arrived and she suddenly backed out, Janice reluctantly agreed to go in her place. Just four months later, Janice married the young man at the door, Edward.

After 61 years of marriage, their life together stands as a testament to partnership, devotion, and love. They were truly a team, rarely apart, and their marriage remains an example to all who knew them.

After their first home in Grand Rapids, Janice and her husband settled in Sand Lake, Michigan, where they lovingly restored a weathered house into a warm country home. Together they raised three children—Jeffrey, Melody, and Matthew. Janice’s capacity for love, however, did not stop there. After reading a newspaper story about a teenage boy with Spina Bifida who needed a family, she opened her heart and home, welcoming Barry. Soon followed Mary Beth, Tammy, and Rebecca, each with unique challenges, each embraced fully as her own.

Janice never allowed disability or stigma to limit her children’s lives. She ensured they experienced the joys other families shared—camping trips, Disney World vacations, holiday traditions, movies at North Kent Mall, and countless school events. She always made time to listen and offered unwavering support whenever it was needed.

Creative and resourceful, Janice co-owned a decorative home accessory business with her husband for nearly 20 years, teaching herself to paint along the way. She lovingly passed her artistic talents on to her children and grandchildren, ensuring her creativity lives on through generations.

Music was another passion. Janice was a member of BMI and wrote lyrics to many songs, some of which were set to music and played on radio stations in Europe.

While her primary role was that of an extraordinary mother and homemaker, Janice also worked for Hope Network. Later, as empty nesters, she and her husband spent winters in Florida, where they both worked at Disney World—bringing joy to others, just as they always had.

In her later years, Janice bravely faced Parkinson’s disease and associated dementia with grace. She was never bitter, never angry, and never asked “Why me?” Even in memory care, her compassion shone through—holding a fellow resident’s hand, offering comfort, and trying to make others smile. She remained loving, patient, and kind until the end.

Her legacy is one of quiet strength, boundless love, and selfless compassion—a life that made the world gentler simply by being in it.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Reva Steele; her children, Barry, Mary Beth, and Tammy; and five precious babies she now holds in heaven. She is survived by her husband, Edward; her children, Jeffrey Hopkins (Alene), Melody Long (TJ), Matthew Hopkins, and Rebecca McHugh (Jack); her grandchildren, Jordan (Kara), Spencer (Jackie), Jasen, Elaina (Taylor), Madeline, Joshua, Abbey (Danny), Logan, Ryan, Tommy, and Anthony; her great grandchildren, Brayden, Theo, Myah, and Alex; her brother, Richard Steele; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation with the family to share memories and stories of Janice will take place from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood, Michigan.