Janice Kay Staggs

In the fall of 1955, September 30th to be exact, Joel Henry Estes and Maybelle Estes gave birth to a daughter, Janice Kay.

Jan was the 7th child by birth order. In 1972, She met the love of her life Ellison Dee Staggs and they had their first date at the local hotspot, the Dairy Queen in Tiptonville, Tn. That was the beginning of a life long love like no other. She was a graduate of Lake County Highschool in May 1974. By June of 1974, she and Dee were blissfully married. Their love for one another turned from newlyweds to parents of two boys Brian Staggs and Josh Staggs. They were married for 43 years until Dee left this earth to wait for her reunion at Heaven's gates. He and her boys along with her only grandchild Allison were a big source of the joy she had in her life.
Some things to know about Jan, she loved to plant flowers in the spring. She was always cheerful, always singing, humble, kind thoughtful, and happiness radiated from her. She loved to cook for her family and loved to cook their favorite meals, anything from turnip greens to Dippy Cake to chocolate gravy and more.

Family was always the most important thing to Jan. Well, family second, next to God only. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at the age of 13 and her faith never wavered. Jan's faithful passion and devotion to serve God always shown from her inside out. From her smile, her energy, and especially through her beautiful and powerful voice that she used in worship. To hear her sing with her tambourine in her hand, could bring anyone's heart into a place of worship that only those who experienced it could understand. She could be compared to a songbird, only she was much more powerful in her talent than that. If you heard Sister Jan in her earlier years, you would have known her with her sisters in their group as the Reelfoot Gospel Singers for over 17 years. Many would agree there was none that could compare to them. In her latter years, you would have known her for her role as the Praise and Worship Leader at New Covenant Church and Manna Ministries in Union City combined for close to 40 years.

Her passion for music wasn't her only talent. Ms Jan was also well known in the Union City Community for helping to raise hundreds of children through the Happy Little House Daycare for 17 years. And she never forgot any of those children. Those children are all grown now, but you can ask anyone of them what they remember about the daycare and I guarantee you Ms Jan's name is one of the first things you hear with a big smile on their face.

She always had a glow on her face and an uplifting word to anyone she met. Anyone was sure to have a smile on their face even after only a few minutes in her presence. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her. She was escorted by the angels of heaven into the glory of GOD on May 16, 2021 with her sisters and her kids singing around her. Her untimely death will leave a hole in our hearts and a longing for many until reunited one day in Glory. She unfortunately for all of us left this world way too suddenly and way to soon. But, I'm certain that Heaven has an even sweeter sound when she joined the angels singing.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father and husband listed above, her siblings, Mary Ray, Harold Estes, Steve Estes, Larry Estes and most recently, Barbara Walden. Jan leaves behind her two boys Brian Staggs, wife (Jamie) and Josh Staggs, wife (Krista) and her red headed, blue eyed granddaughter Allison Staggs who she adored! She is also survived by two sisters Ruth Green Pace (Bob) and May Simpson (Joe); her sister-in-law, Peggy Rodriguez; two brothers-in-law, Elmer Staggs (Brenda), Billy Staggs and Bobby Staggs (Pam); and many, many nieces, and nephews, and friends. Jan's last word of encouragement to anyone who would read this would be to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and really learn who God is.

Memorial contributions can be made to Brian or Josh to assist the family with expenses.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Manna Ministries. Brother Archie Larry and Pastor Ruth Green Pace will officiate. Private burial will take place in Beulah Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Manna Ministries 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2021.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Joe Staggs, Jerry Rodriguez, Wes Walden, Aaron Ray, Harlan Bennett, Zach Simpson, Jonathan Jonas and Jared Jonas.

Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Green, Mike Walden, Roger Walden, Randy Walden, Chris Staggs, Nick Staggs and Randy Turner.

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.