Janice Naomi Whitaker Marret, 84, of Owensboro, passed away in the comfort of her home, on November 20, 2023. She was born on April 15, 1939, in Owensboro to the late James “Jim” Whitaker and Lilyan Barr Saltzman Whitaker. Janice attended Macedonia Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. She was a retired realtor of Palm Coast Florida.
Janice enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, and golfing. She also enjoyed painting in her free time. Janice was an entrepreneur and owned Feminine Inn and Razberry Butterfly Floral and Gift Shop. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and playing cards when she got the chance. Her animals were a big part of her life, Pepper, Freckles, and Kitty Lou.
Along with her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her husband, James Otis Marret; Ira “Pop” Maxey, who was like a father figure; and son-in-law, Terry Wayne Belcher.
Known to most as Mema, Janice is survived by her children, April (Gary) Smith, Melanie Belcher, and Natalie Brown; grandchildren, Aimee (Rodney) Duran, Matthew Belcher, Brittany (Jacob) Graham, Marret (Jeremy) Howard, and Coty Burton; great-grandchildren, Wildley Sinclaire, Raeleigh Grace, Mayci Rayne, Stella Rayne, Kynder Dawn, and Kylar Scott.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial to follow at Rosehill – Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday, November 24, 2023.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of charitable donations made payable to Daviess County Animal Shelter, 2620 KY-81, Owensboro, KY 42301. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Janice Naomi Whitaker Marret. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of Mrs. Marret and sign her virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.