Dr. Janice Sherman Brien, 72, of Magee, MS, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 7, 2024, at her residence in Magee, MS. She was born Monday, July 30, 1951, in Mendenhall, MS.
Visitation was held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall, 3077 Simpson Hwy 13, Mendenhall, MS. Funeral services began at 3 p.m. Burial followed in Rials Creek Cemetery in Mendenhall, MS. Bro. David Hanna officiated. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall was in charge of arrangements.,601-847-4401
Dr. Janice, “J,” was a remarkable woman, a trailblazer, and a loving matriarch. She was a person of many firsts: the first female dentist in Mississippi, a testament to her pioneering spirit and dedication to her profession. Her academic achievements were nothing short of extraordinary, graduating high school a year early and completing her studies at Co-Lin and Millsaps College in just three years. Her choice to pursue dentistry over medicine was a reflection of her deep commitment to family, ensuring she could be present for her children. Her leadership extended beyond her practice as she became the first female president of the Mendenhall Chamber of Commerce, and she was instrumental in introducing the first baccalaureate service at Simpson County Academy. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through her ventures, from jbrien pottery to MizIppi Tees, and the delightful Oh-Mommy jelly and jam. She shared her love of gospel music through playing piano and organ at church and on her YouTube channel, touching lives far and wide.
She loved God, her children, and grandchildren fiercely! Her faith was unwavering, relying solely on the Word of God to navigate the journey of life. Her legacy is not just in the paths she forged but in the love and wisdom she imparted. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Russell Sherman; mother, Valeria Boggan Sherman.
Survivors include her sons, Dr. Andy Brien (Courtney), Ben Brien (Katie) and Patrick Brien (Nicole); daughter, Casey Brien Adcox (Brandon); grandchildren, Ella Kate Brien, Brooks Brien, Mae Claire Brien, Abbe Brien, Audrey Brien, Camp Brien, Clara Brien, Addie Grace Barnard and Collier Adcox; brother, Rusty Sherman (Freda); cousin who was like a brother, Vic Dickerson (Carolyn); nieces, Alicia Magee and Brandi Kennedy; and a host of other family, and friends.
Pallbearers were Andrew Payne, Ty Meador, Josh Duckworth, Peyton Barnard, Ian Batton, and Aaron Batton.
Special music was performed by Cindy Gill, Abbe Brien, and Audrey Brien.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
