Janice Poole Ward, age 78, of Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, passed away at home with her loved ones on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from cancer.
Mrs. Ward was born in Cornelia on October 1, 1945, to the late Noel C. Ward and Bessie Poole Ward. She is survived by her husband, Tom Dunken, and her siblings, Annice Anderson, Lea (Len) Cohen, Clifton (Sandra) Ward, and Wanice Dalton, step-daughter Erin Dunken, and many nieces and nephews.
For much of her life, Janice was a champion for women. After graduating from Piedmont College with a master’s degree in public administration, she served as the executive director of Circle of Hope, the domestic violence center in Cornelia, Georgia. Under her leadership (1996-2001), Circle of Hope grew and expanded services and opened its first thrift store in Clarkesville, Georgia.
Janice was a founding member of Rape Response, Inc. in Gainesville, Georgia, as well as the Women’s Giving Circle of North Georgia, a fund of the North Georgia Community Foundation, which is a catalyst for change for women and girls. For many years, Janice was a member and leader of the National Organization for Women, both locally and at the state level.
Janice was an advisor to her friends on style, decorating, gardening, politics and life. Her friends coined the phrase, “What would Janice do?” She had a big heart and a sharp sense of humor. She will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Wiston Ward, Shelton Ward, and Trellis Stonecypher.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Circle of Hope, 120 Trinity Dr., Demorest, GA 30535
Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
