Betty Janice Thomas

Betty Janice Thomas, age 78, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026, at her home. She was born April 26, 1948, in Bentonville, Arkansas, to Joseph Dobson and LaVonna Edens. Janice was a devoted member of the Johnson Church of Christ, and it was often said that if the church doors were open, Janice was there. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she willingly gave her time and talents in service to the church and others. Over the years, she taught Bible school and arts and crafts, founded the church’s Threads of Love ministry, and took responsibility for the flower arrangements at the front of the church. She was also an active member of the church’s singles group. Creativity was woven throughout Janice’s life. She loved crafts of every kind and was an accomplished seamstress who especially enjoyed sewing. Her love of creating eventually led her to own and operate The Harvest Shoppe on West Sunset Avenue in Springdale. Whether she was sewing, making crafts, arranging flowers, or working on another project, Janice was happiest when she was creating something with her hands. Janice had a varied working career and was known as a hard worker. She served as a rural route carrier for the United States Postal Service and worked for Springdale Flower Shop, Crane Manufacturing in Rogers, Layman’s Furniture in Springdale, and in the cafeterias at Leverett Elementary School and Fayetteville High School. She also worked as a legal secretary for attorney Jim Cypert. Above all, Janice was a loving mother and grandmother who cared deeply for her family. She enjoyed music, camping, fishing, sewing, and, of course, more crafts. She also enjoyed eating at Neal’s Cafe, one of her favorite places. Janice was a great storyteller who enjoyed visiting with family and friends and sharing the stories and memories of her life. She was a gifted seamstress and a talented, creative woman who found great satisfaction in making things for herself and for others. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Dobson and Lavonna Edens; and her husband, Edward Dean Thomas. Survivors include four children, Eddie Dean Thomas and wife Jeannette of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Ed Thomas and wife Tamara of Mountain View, Arkansas, LaVonna Ward and husband Ernie of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Laura Rachael Zieske of Big Bend, Wisconsin; three brothers, Joseph Dobson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mike Dobson and wife Jana of Austin, Texas, and Richard Dobson and wife Emanuella of Puyallup, Washington; one sister, Ruth Ann Dobson of Missouri; her sister-in-law, Lorene Thomas Olson; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson Church of Christ with Larry Culbreath officiating. Burial will follow in Stuckey Cemetery in Johnson, Arkansas. Visitation will begin Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Johnson Church of Christ, 5602 Elmore St., Springdale, Arkansas 72762. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

Betty Janice Thomas

April 26, 1948 - August 7, 2026