JANICE BURNEY

In Dallas, Texas on December 25, 1951, William & Erma Hammonds welcomed into the world their third child, and one and only girl, Janice Faye Hammonds. She attended Colonial & Charles Rice elementary schools as a young child. At the age of ten, Janice began working alongside her grandmother Essie Mae Luster at a flower shop, where her passion for floral design blossomed. She later graduated from Lincoln High School with honors and went on to attend Texas Southern University, before returning home to pursue her dreams of opening her own business, Holly Tree Florist, with a close friend.

 Janice’s journey with Christ began at the Sweet Home Baptist Church, where she was baptized at the tender age of 12. In her adult life, she became an active member of the Golden Gate woman’s ministry and later went on to establish the first youth usher board at Greater Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church. Janice later united with Crossroads Christian Church, closer to her home in Arlington, where she remained an active volunteer until her passing.

 Janice welcomed her first child, a daughter, Sharva Hammonds on November 16, 1971. She then met the love of her life, Freddy Lee Burney and married on July 27, 1989. To this union, her second daughter, Dana Burney was born. The family enjoyed traveling, attending sporting events, and hosting family gatherings in their home.

 Janice has always had a passion for youth development and teaching! She worked for over 15 years in both the Dallas and Arlington Independent School Districts, before retiring and opening her own tutoring and childcare business. Beyond her professional accomplishments in the field of education, Janice also enjoyed working on her craft, coordinating weddings and arranging flowers for many of her family and friends throughout the years.

 Janice was truly a beacon of light in all arenas of life. She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star (Pride of the South Chapter), as well as the youth club advisor for the North Texas Business & Professional Women’s League. Janice also served as the president of the Seguin High School athletic booster club, showcasing her commitment to youth development and community welfare, even years after her own children had graduated. She loved dance of all forms and her unwavering support for the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Wings as a season ticket holder exemplified her vibrant passion for life. Among all of her roles and achievements, Janice held her proudest title as the family matriarch. Her love and care bound her family together in times of joy and sorrow, creating lasting memories that will forever be treasured.

On April 2, 2024, God called his “Christmas baby” home for eternal rest. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Burney, parents William & Erma Hammonds, and older brothers, Billy and Micheal Hammonds. She leaves to cherish her memories, daughters: Sharva Hammonds and Dana Mann (Dexter); Brother: Kenneth Hammonds; Grandchildren: Jermaine Kellum and William Hammonds, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please help to support the family during this difficult time. Donations can be sent to $LoveMamaBurney.