Janice Wrinkle Stephens

Janice Elaine “Wrinkle” Stephens age 73, of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away on April 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Janice Elaine “Wrinkle” Stephens was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, known for her extraordinary kindness, generosity, and selflessness. She had a rare gift for putting the needs of others before her own, giving freely of her time, energy, and resources, and offering comfort and understanding with a listening ear and an open heart. She loved and cared for people deeply, accepting them as they were, whether they were family by blood or by choice. Her soul was too pure for this world, and her warmth, compassion, and thoughtfulness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a strength that inspired others, and a presence that could light up any room. Janice dedicated much of her life to service, working for the State of Georgia at Georgia Highlands Treatment Center in Dalton and later at Republic Services at the Catoosa Landfill, where she retired. Her professional life reflected the same care and dedication she gave to her family and friends, leaving a legacy of hard work and commitment. She is survived by her loving family: her son Charlie Stephens (Patti), her daughter Barbara Stephens-Spurgeon (James), her nieces Tammy Allen (Michael) and Regina Horn, and her adopted daughter Tammy Dunaway (Tim). Her precious grandchildren include Taylor Robbins (Billy), Casey Stephens (Sidney Hullender), Haley Stephens (Erwin Hernandez), Luke Stephens, Heather Smith, Austin Abercrombie (Kim Driscoll), Toby Spurgeon, and Tyler Abercrombie (Montana). She is also survived by her sister Lillian Green (Larry), her brother Oscar Wrinkle (Patricia), her sister-in-law Sheila Parsons (Leonard), Carla Stephens, Maria Stephens Fincher, Jennie Forgey (Jim), her brothers-in-law Truett Bonner and John Griffith, and her nephew William Deason (Marco). Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Stephens; her son, Billy Stephens; her parents, Oscar and Addie Wrinkle; her sisters Gin Culver (Larry), Mary Deason (Bill), Edna Bonner, Suzan Griffith, and Barbara Lanoue; and her in-laws Bill and Alef Stephens. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Wilson Funeral Home, with Pastor Heath Morton officiating. Jesse Thornton will serve as an honored speaker at her request. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM prior to the service. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Ashley Moore Irvin, her home health nurse, and Sylvia, her hospice nurse, for their compassionate care. Janice Elaine “Wrinkle” Stephens will be remembered for her boundless generosity, her unwavering care and love for others, her ability to listen and truly see people, and her remarkable gift for accepting and cherishing everyone she met. She had a rare and beautiful way of making everyone feel valued, heard, and loved. Her legacy of kindness, love, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who were lucky enough to share in her life. She leaves behind a light that will never fade, a warmth that will never dim, and a love that will forever guide those who carry her memory forward. Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes Wallis ~ Stewart Chapel, Ringgold, Georgia.