Janice Tapp

Janice Newsom Tapp (81) passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018 with her family by her side. She was born in Lubbock, Texas on October 17, 1936. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garland (Eva) Newsom and is preceded in death by two brothers, Royce Newsom and Bobby Newsom; and a son, James Brent Tapp.

Janice graduated from Lubbock High School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Texas Tech University in 1958. She was a, member of the Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society and Pi Beta Phi sorority (Delta Gamma chapter). She also earned a Masters of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in 1959. Janice taught school in Dallas, Texas for three years before serving in Washington, D.C. with Congressman George Mahon, then Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.

 On April 20, 1963, Janice married James Petty Tapp, and they lived in Quanah, Texas from 1965-1984. She was an engaged member of the community, serving on the Quanah School Board for six years and participating actively as a member of the First United Methodist Church. Jim and Janice moved to Lubbock, Texas in 1984. She was involved in Lubbock civic affairs including the Lubbock Women’s Club, Lubbock Symphony Guild, and the Trowel and Error Garden Club, and she was a sister of Chapter AA PEO.

Janice is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim. They had a full life together and loved their very spoiled Shih Tzu “babies,” Opie and Lilly. She had two sons, Byron (Lubbock, Texas) and Michael (Dallas, Texas), who somehow managed to give her two daughters-in-law, Suzanne and Tonya. Although Janice’s service to community and her commitment to many friendships was admirable, the true love of her life was family and, in particular, her perfect grandchildren: Macy (18), Pierce (15), Abby (7) and Carson (2). Although it is hard to imagine the Tapp family without Janice, we are thankful to have had a strong woman of faith and service leading the way for so many years and providing a model for all of us.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 29^th at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas.