Ms. Janice "JBird" Girven

Our beloved, Ms. Janice Marie Girven, "JBird" as she was affectionately called, transitioned from earth to heaven on Friday, April 11, 2025. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 19th at 10:00 am at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 4008 E. Cayuga Street, Tampa, FL., Dr. Antonio R. Hawkins of Exciting Faith Alive Church, Eulogist. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610. 

Ms. Janice Marie Girven was a native and life-long resident of Tampa for 59 years.  She attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. She was employed with Hillsborough County Schools Transportation at the time of her demise. During the summer months, she worked for Parks and Recreation where she came to know so many children in the community whom she impacted and who grew very fond of her because of her infectious personality. In her spare time, she thoroughly enjoyed 'thrifting' often spending most of her weekends at yard and garage sales or thrift stores finding some of the best bargains. She also loved a good scratch-off lottery ticket. She was the family's go-to cook for most events. She kept a clean house and ensured your meals were of utmost flavor and made with love. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly, and her family in its entirety.

She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Girven, her son, Lonnie Mann, Jr., her sisters: Jacquelyn Spencer James, and Joyce Spencer; her brothers: Charles and Don Spencer; and her nephews: Frederick Sutton, Jr. and Eddie Biggins, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her mother: Ms. Edna Smith; her longtime partner: Charles Austin; Children: Karissa House (Dana), NaTasha Girven (Joe), Ron'Nesha Harris (Mark), Ronald Harris Jr. (Ashley), and Kenya Harris. 25 Grandchildren: Aejon’a Jelks, Aaliyah Jelks, Saniya Campbell, Azariyah Jelks, Elton Campbell, Ashanti Ford, Lon’nae Mann, Krishawnti Perkins, Albreyona Anderson, Aubrey Anderson, Ke’Mari Perkins, Ahlycia Burgess, K’Miyah Perkins,  Amiyah Powell, Amarii Harris, Kristian Perkins, Kayden Perkins, Ronald Harris III, Fredrick Powell Jr., Kamden Perkins,  Madyson Harris, Kaylee Perkins, Karter Perkins, Khalid Harris, Ruell Harris; 6 Great-Grandchildren: Ariel Johnson, Brielle Boone, Bryson Brown, Norelle Mclendon, Kaiyr Warren, A’uri Jones; God-daughter: Lakeisha Dukes; Siblings: Barbara Jean Jones (George), Arthur Strawder (Belinda), Johnnie Mae Spencer ( Errol), Sylvia Spencer-Boone (Charles), Diane Spencer (Floyd), Danny Williams (Geraldine), Anthony Girven, Tyrone Girven, Jimmy Marshall (Marion), Cedric Walker (Rhonda), Diane Creacy (Rodney), Johnny Walker and Sharon Walker Whitehead; Nieces/Nephews: Renee McKenzie (Egbert), Kennis Keenan, LaDell Andrews, Reginald Keenan, Anthony Keenan (Tamarell), Regina Nelson, Tajuana Sanders, Linton Strawder, Billy Williams, Ashley Spencer, Ricky Thomas, Marcus Thomas, LaMonica Davis(Walter), Bridgette Girven, Bernetta Girven, Treaca Girven, Rita Girven, Alexis Newson, Anthony Girven Jr,..a host of great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.. far too many to name. Special friends: Kayvette, Felicia, Lisa, Crystal, DaTonya, Michelle, Alecia, Shontae..and so many others.

If your name is not mentioned, please know your presence means so much more. Please charge it to our head and not our heart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Janice "JBird" Girven, please visit our floral store.