Janice Elaine Shepard Pruitt, 65, of Laurel Hill, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Scotland Memorial Hospital.
She was born on March 6, 1961 in Richmond County, daughter of the late Willie Lee Shepard and Betty Lou Webster Shepard.
Janice was someone who always thought of others before herself. She had a kind heart and a generous spirit, and she found great joy in taking care of the people she loved. Her grandchildren were especially dear to her heart, and she cherished every moment she spent with them.
She loved to fish, spend time with her family, and, most of all, she loved to cook. Cooking was her passion and one of the ways she expressed her love for others. Her talent and dedication to cooking led her to own two restaurants and serve as a catering director.
She leaves behind a lifetime of love, memories, and the lasting impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Janice’s family would like to extend a special thanks to her cousin, Lynn Parker Greene.
Along with her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Jo Phillips.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jory Lewis Pruitt of the home; sons, Jonathan Pruitt (Amanda) of Bennettsville, South Carolina, and Justin Pruitt (Kristen) of Rockingham; grandchildren, Austin Hyatt, Isaac Pruitt, Lilly Pruitt, Jamin Pruitt and Jaiden Pruitt; and cousins that she loved dearly like sisters.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, from 1-2 p.m., at Maple Street Free Will Baptist Church, in Rockingham.
The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 2 p.m., with Pastor Darwin Cook officiating.
Interment will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park in Rockingham.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hamlet Fire & Rescue, 302 Champlain St., Hamlet, NC 28345.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
