Janice (Simpson) Baldwin went home to be with the Lord on August 25, 2026 at the age of 77. She was the second child of Tennie Simpson Jr. and Annie Frances (Carroll) Simpson, born on September 18, 1948 in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Janice graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1966. While in high school, she worked at A&P grocery store and Allen’s market where she met her husband, Gilbert Baldwin. They married on July 1, 1967. To this union was born two children, Jewel and Gilbert (Chip) Jr.

Janice, “Granny,” is dearly loved by her children and grandchildren, Brittni (Korry) Johnson, Dominique (Kameron) Branson, Chloe (Aaron) Gordon, Kemet Yamungu, Rashana Yamungu, Khai Yamungu, Nikita Miner and Reggie Hill.

Janice will always be cherished by her siblings Marie Simpson (deceased), Gregory (Sheilah Cunningham) Simpson, Cheryl Simpson, Sudha Simpson, Karen (Bruce) Toering, Harold (Claudia) Meeks, James (Josie) Bryant, Alan (Marlene) Bryant (deceased), Jeanetta (Lawrence) Davis (deceased), Linda Bryant (deceased), and Carmetta Simpson (deceased).

Janice worked on the assembly line at the Ford Rawsonville Plant, and later became a skilled trades electrician (the second woman electrician and first African American electrician in the plant’s history). She retired after 28 years of employment there. She also served as a union rep for Rawsonville employees.

Janice was baptized at the Ypsilanti Church of Christ in 1975. She was known as an enthusiastic Bible school teacher for many years, teaching grades 5th and 6th. She considered her beloved fellow church members as her brothers and sisters in Christ and was committed to them and the mission of the church. She was also committed to teaching the plan of salvation, and brought many to be baptized and become members of the Church of Christ. She participated in the Crusades for Christ in several US cities over the years.

Janice was known as an excellent cook, and she had many hobbies including golf, bowling, travel, songwriting and she was so good at card games, that she was lovingly referred to as a cardologist.

Janice believed in quality time for family and organized many family events and family reunions.

She was a blessing to many and actively participated in her great-grandchildren’s lives. Isaiah, Jaden, Hadassah, Charlotte, Tevin, Korderro (Juju) Jr., Eden and Ezra love her dearly.

Janice has many family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. And she treasured her time with all of them.

Family and loved ones - Colleen Simpson (niece), Aaron (Rameire) Boone, Ish Monroe, Aisha Mitchell, Ashley Daniels, Derrick Simpson, Joseph Titus, Julie Willis (aunt), Clara Pogue (aunt) (d), Lurlene Boone, Alcean Witherspoon, Nellie Robinson (aunt) (d), Margaret Edwards (aunt) (d), Liza Byrd (aunt) (d), Hunter Carroll (Uncle) (d), Joe Carroll (Uncle) (d), Victor Corley and family, Robin Jordan, Marcea Bryant, Dana Bryant, Aunt Juanita (d) and her children. In-laws James (Bill) Baldwin (d), Evelyn Johnson (d), John (Sonny) Baldwin Sr., (d), Jewell Baldwin Cousin, Irene Chapman, Marion Baldwin and Carolyn Tucker. And their spouses and children. Yolanda Larkin, Jennifer Benson and Becca Mathew and many many more. 

The family will receive friends 4-7 pm Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Stark Funeral Professionals. A funeral service will be held 11 am Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Ypsilanti Church of Christ with Brother Rhys Siegel-Hinson officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 am. Janice will be laid to rest in Highland Cemetery.