Janice Allen Mayhew Hammer, 92, of Columbia City, went to her heavenly home Wednesday morning, Sept. 16, 2015, at Jefferson Place Health in Louisville, Ky.

She was born Sept. 21, 1922, to Horace and Clementine White Mayhew in Roanoke, Va. She attended school in Roanoke and left for college at age 16 to attend Converse College for Southern Women in Spartanburg, S.C. where she studied history. She met her husband, Colonel James Edward Hammer (then Lieutenant), in Spartanburg and they married in August of 1942.

While Lt., Capt., and then Major Hammer fought in Europe during World War II, Janice remained in Roanoke, finished her college degree, taught high school Algebra, and coached the boys’ high school basketball team to victory in the County Championship.

Following the war, Janice moved with Jim around the world with the U.S. Army. In October of 1955, a daughter, Lucy Allen, was born to them in Buffalo, N.Y. The family was then off to West Point, Purdue University, the Panama Canal Zone, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, and finally Indiana in 1969 where the Hammers took up permanent residence at their near Larwill farm. All the while, Janice devoted her time and wonderful skills to raising their child and providing a beautiful, warm, and loving home.

In September 1969, Janice began teaching English at Columbia City Joint High School, receiving her Master’s Degree from St. Francis College. While teaching, Janice was awarded the Indiana Council of Teachers of English – Teacher of the Year Award. She retired in 1994 after a fulfilling and joy-filled career, where she felt honored to work with truly excellent colleagues and share lovely, memorable experiences with her students of whom she was so very fond.

Janice later moved from the family’s farm into Columbia City where she became active with the Whitley County Community Foundation, serving on their Board of Directors. Janice also served on the Whitley County Literacy Council and served as the President of the People Preserving History Board. She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association, the Beta Association Chapter of Tri Kappa, and was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. Janice was also named “Citizen of the Year” by the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce, and honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash award given by the Governor of Indiana and presented by the Whitley County Historical Society in 1998.

In her lovely style, Janice captivated us all with her charm, encouraged us with her faith and perseverance, and remained youthful until the end.

Janice is survived by one daughter: Lucy Hammer Geerer, Louisville, Ky.; and one grandson: Will Geerer, Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons: William Scott; and James Edward Jr.; and a daughter: Jennie Ann.

The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City, with visitation one hour prior at the church. The burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery. The visitation will also be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a Prayer Service following at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Whitley County Community Foundation.