Janice Coleman Ewing, 76, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, in Fresno, California. A devoted educator, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Janice lived a life rooted in faith, love, and service to others.
Born on March 17, 1949, in West Point, Mississippi, Janice was the daughter of Earline Mattix and John Coleman. From an early age, she demonstrated a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to learning—qualities that would define her life's work. She attended Fifth Street High School where a moment on the front steps changed her life forever: it was there she met the love of her life, Dr. Willie B. Ewing.
Janice pursued higher education with determination and purpose. She earned her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Jackson State University and later completed her master's degree in Special Education at Fresno Pacific University. Her academic journey reflected not only her passion for teaching but also her unwavering dedication to supporting students with special needs.
For over four decades, Janice served as a Special Education teacher—a role she embraced with grace and excellence. Her commitment to her students earned her recognition as Teacher of the Year and led to her appointment as Chair of the Special Education Department. Through every lesson plan and classroom interaction, Janice made a lasting impact on countless lives.
Janice's devotion extended far beyond the classroom. She was deeply committed to her family and took immense pride in their accomplishments. She is lovingly remembered by her husband and lifelong partner, Dr. Willie B. Ewing; their children Dionne Ewing and Chris Ewing (Laura); and grandchildren Devin Ewing-Farmer and Kya and Amara Ewing. Her sisters Brenda Randolph (Jerry) and Carolyn Denard held special places in her heart, as did Kenneth Wells—her cherished brother in "love." Her adored nieces, nephews, and great nieces, and nephews will miss her smile and hugs. She truly loved and enjoyed her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earline Mattix and John Coleman; her beloved daughter Debra Michelle Ewing; and her In-Laws, Inez and Walter Ewing.
Janice found joy in life's simple pleasures—cheering on the Dodgers at games or from home, immersing herself in episodes of Outlander and The Virginian, and enthusiastically supporting her husband, children, and grandchildren in all their sports and activities. Her presence at these events was a constant source of encouragement for those she loved.
A woman of deep faith, Janice lived each day guided by love for the Lord. She treated everyone she encountered with respect and kindness—a reflection of the values she held dear throughout her life. Her warmth touched not only family but also friends, students, colleagues, and members of the community who were fortunate enough to know her.
Janice's legacy is one of compassion, strength, dedication, and enduring love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her and continue to inspire those whose lives she so profoundly touched. A Memorial Service will be held on October 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:45 PM at Koinonia Church 12536 Hanford-Armona Rd. Attire: Janice was a beautiful shining light. The family prefers no black, just her favorite things.
Dodgers - Blue\White
LHS - Purple\Gold
AKA - Pink\Green\ Pearls
Fav Color - Shades of Greens
Divine 9 - Strut Your Stuff!!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the organizations that Janice loved, treasured, and represented:
DSACC - Down's Syndrome Association of Central California
**In honor of Janice Ewing and her daughter Debra Ewing
MDA - Muscular Dystrophy Association
**In honor of Janice Ewing and the Ewing Siblings
Shriner's Hospital www.ShrinersChildrens.org
**In honor of Janice Ewing
St. Judes Hospital www.stjude.org
**In honor of Janice Ewing
Terry's House www.communitymedical.org
**In honor of Janice Ewing and Family
Janice Ewing Memorial Scholarship Contact Willie or Dionne Ewing for information
**In honor of Janice's kids. She loved her students very much.