Janice Ray Fowler Smelcher
Janice Ray Fowler Smelcher, 89, of Knoxville, formerly of Clinton, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 7, 2025, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and loving family. She went to be with the Lord after a life devoted to faith and family.
She was a 1954 graduate of Clinton High School, where she was a majorette and a member of the band, drama club, FHA and 4-H. She was also named FFA Queen and played saxophone. She attended Tennessee Tech and later retired from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she worked in the Office of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Janice’s family was her greatest joy. She loved Tennessee football — especially Peyton Manning — as well as history, music, musicals, classic films, walking at the track and reading. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, patience, sweet smile and unwavering love. Giving her time was her way of showing love. She was a beautiful soul, inside and out, and will be missed beyond words.
This is not goodbye, this is see you soon sweet Momma/Grammie. We love you! Oxox
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ophelia Fowler; daughter, Lisa R. Muse; infant son, Scotty Smelcher; brothers, Paul Fowler and David Fowler; and sister, Rose Ann Jansky.
She is survived by her children, Steve Smelcher and wife Lisa, Jana McCarty and husband Mark, and Dara Chadwell and husband Andy; grandchildren, Blake Simpson, Brooke Simpson, Amaris Chadwell, Amanda Hopson, Ashley Muse and James Muse; great-grandchildren, Elliot Simpson and Jayda Sliger; brother, Ronnie Fowler; sister, Diane Cooksey; sister-in-law, Jeanne Fowler; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by the father of her children, Jim Smelcher.
The family received friends at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service followed at Sunset Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Steve Smelcher, Mark McCarty, Andy Chadwell, Blake Simpson, Ryan Chagnon and Bobby Kelley. Jim Smelcher served as honorary pallbearer.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to have served the Smelcher family.
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