Janice Elaine Dunbar, 83, passed away peacefully at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024, at home with her loving family by her side.
Janice was born on September 19, 1941, in Granite City, Illinois, to Harold and Lucille (Herman) Prewett. She graduated from Granite City High School in 1959. Janice met her husband, Ronald Dunbar, on a blind date arranged by her sister Judy. The couple married in 1963.
In 1968, Janice earned her degree from Southern Illinois University in Alton. She went on to teach Physical Education and Driver’s Education at Alton High School. Throughout her career, Janice embraced many roles, including part-time work at Sears and Venture. She dedicated 15 years to refereeing high school women’s volleyball, served as the Cheerleading sponsor at Alton High School from 1974 to 1981, and later became the Pom Pon sponsor from 1982 to 1995.
Janice was an active member of her community, contributing to organizations such as the Retired Teacher Association, the AAUW Club, and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), Chapter JZ.
Janice had a zest for life and a passion for travel. She enjoyed trips to Gulf Shores, New York, Niagara Falls, St. Thomas, Tortola (where she swam with dolphins), Puerto Vallarta, China, Alaska, Hawaii, Italy and the Greek Islands (her favorite), Spain, Russia, and Branson. Closer to home, she cherished playing cards with her girlfriends, counted cross-stitching, and attending performances at the Fox Theatre and the Muny.
Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She relished holiday celebrations, birthday parties, and cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events.
Janice is survived by her loving family: her daughter, Lisa (Michael) Funk; her son, Mark (Christine) Dunbar; three grandsons, Nicholas Funk, Zachary (Hillary) Funk, and Skylar (Chloe) Funk; two granddaughters, Kirstin Dunbar and Kortney Dunbar; five great-grandsons, Lincoln, Zealand, Knox, Macklen, and Sullivan Funk; one great-granddaughter, Payton Funk; and her sister and brother-in-law, Judith (James) Bucatch of Granite City.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Lucille Prewett; her sister, Jolene (Prewett) Scott; and her brother-in-law, David Scott.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, with Pastor Steven Helfrich officiating. Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Janice will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
