Obituary of Janice R. Crafton

Janice R. Crafton passed away October 26, 2023, in Roy, Washington.  She was born March 6, 1942, to Wayne and Geraldine Crafton in Lansing, Michigan. She was a caring, devoted sister and friend. 

 

Janice graduated from Lansing’s Eastern High School and earned a BA degree in Social Work from Michigan State University and Master’s degree in Social Work from Wayne State University.  Her dedication to her undergraduate Alma Mater, MSU, never wavered. She was and always will be a Spartan.  She could shout “Go Green Go White” louder than anyone. 

 

Professionally, Janice worked in various counties for the State of Michigan in social work.  Her focus was child welfare, adoptions, foster care, institutional abuse investigation, labor relations, and educational programs; she also was a supervisor.

 

She was an assistant professor of social work at Eastern Michigan University (1974-1976), and also taught in the school of social work part time at Michigan State University (1986-1988).  At one point in her career, she was invited to travel to Scotland to present a program she developed for adoptions and for children with disabilities.  She continued her career in the State of Washington until she retired in 2013.

 

Janice was a strong advocate for animal rights and animal abuse prevention.  Many stray cats would find their way to her home, somehow knowing that they would be taken care of.  She enjoyed reading.  She also loved gardening, planting flowers and vegetables.  In recent years, she canned the fresh produce from her garden.

 

She is survived by her sisters, Diana Gray of Lansing, Debbie (Gerry) Noss of Orlando, Florida, and Joan (Chuck) Kleinhenz of Lansing; one niece; and several nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jane Turner; and brothers, Clifford Crafton, Douglas Crafton, and Jeffrey Crafton.

 

There will be a private graveside service.

 

Memorial donations may be made to Michigan State University Alumni Association online at https://msu.edu/alumni, or by mail to MSU Alumni Office/Spartan Way, 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300, East Lansing, MI 48824.  Donations also may be made to the ASPCA or a cat rescue of your choice.

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