Janice E. Wright

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Janice Elizabeth “Jan” Wright Burr, 66, of Longwood, Fla., Vineyard Haven, and formerly Springfield, died peacefully on April 8, 2017, and entered into God’s kingdom to be with her Lord and Savior. Janice was born on April 22, 1950, in Springfield to Jerome O. Burr Sr. and Sylvia W. (Chafin) Burr.

Janice graduated from Commerce High School, where she was a drum majorette. After high school graduation, Janice attended Monticello College in Illinois, where she received her associate’s degree in applied science in 1970. She went on to earn her bachelor of arts in sociology from Western New England College in 1976.

Janice had a fruitful career in human services, working as a social worker, human resources generalist, and human resources director before retiring in Florida. Janice was a loving and faithful servant of God, and an avid singer and participant in women’s ministry groups. She contributed to many churches, including Martin Luther King Church of Springfield, First Baptist Church of Vineyard Haven, and Brookfield Congregational Church. She had a lifelong passion for writing, authoring poems and short stories throughout her life.

Janice was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Daniel William Wright. She is survived by her three brothers, Jerome O. Burr Jr., James F. Burr, and Jeffrey A. Burr. Janice has three sons, Daniel W. Wright III and his wife Janet of Springfield, Ill., Andrew L. Wright and his wife Vanessa of Longwood, Fla., and Brian J. Wright of Plainfield, Pa.; four daughters, Dr. Cheryl Grills and her husband Garrett of Inglewood, Calif., Carla R. Glenn and her husband Mark of Springfield, Danielle E. Johnson and her fiancé Basil Niccolls of Springfield, and Erica D. Bolden and her husband Wilbur of Springfield; 22 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service for Janice will be held on Friday, April 14, 2017 at 11:30 am at Sampson’s, Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield. Rites of committal will follow in the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Janice’s memory to the American Cancer Society. A visiting hour for Janice will precede her funeral on Friday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.