Janis Bayless

Janis "Momma B" Bayless - Mimi

Janis was born May 4th, 1946 in Memphis, Tennessee to John Andrews and F. Moviline Biggs (Andrews-Martin).
She was preceded in death by her father John Andrews, step-mother Avis Andrews, and sister Diane Browning.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years James W. Bayless III and immediate family; John Bayless (son), Jim Bayless (son), Jennifer Bayless (daughter), Mov Biggs (mother), John "Butch" Andrews (brother), Paula Bayless (daughter-in-law), Carol Bayless (daughter-in-law), and grandchildren Cecelia Bayless, Tyler Nelson, Tanner Bayless, and Connor Bayless.
Janis came from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee and Arkansas. She enjoyed living on a farm and spoke often of her grandmother, Granny Andrews, being her most important role model. She told stories of picking cotton and churning buttermilk, living a rich life with her sister (Diane) and brother (Butch) during leaner times. She enjoyed high school very much and took an interest in the school newspaper and cheerleading for the Stamps Arkansas Yellow Jackets.
Janis eventually moved to Kansas City where she met the love of her life James Bayless, "Gunner", her one and only soul mate. Janis adored Gunner.
A tribute written by Janis to celebrate their 45th Anniversary titled "Always and forever":
In 1964 I met this cute little lifeguard but he had this really cocky attitude so I wasn't overly impressed. But…he was so darned cute!
So I decided to go out with him to a drive in movie no less where he smoked a big cigar. He took the cigar band and placed it on my finger and said "Will You Marry Me?"
And so I did!!!!
Now 45 years have come and gone since our wedding day. I love you more today than I could ever have dreamed possible on that night at the drive in.
Thanks you for being the best husband in the world!
Janis was the foundation that helped raise three children to be independent, successful, and happy adults. She had unconditional love for friends and family. She adopted many extended family members throughout the years that she maintained close relationships. Much is owed to her love and caring ways, to ensure that we stayed together to create wonderful families of our own.
Janis' strength was her greatest asset. She had an uncanny way of keeping people together with unique honesty and truth that was always on the mark. Loved by all and all were blessed by knowing her. She was outgoing, social and could relate to most she came into contact.
Janis was a fighter who overcame a multitude of health challenges through the years but ultimately succumbed to a rare lung disease. Her catholic and Baptist faith helped her face mortality with grace. She was singing, dancing, and pleasing all with humor till the end. She was at peace knowing that that everyone close, loved her very much.
Janis enjoyed a rich life filled with music, photography, and her many hobbies. She mastered computers and allowed her a broaden world of entertainment and creativity. She was most creative when working on her jewelry, the Daniel O'Donnell newsletter and calendars. Mom was opened up to a world full of friends through her love of Daniel O'Donnell and offered her opportunity to travel to New Zealand and Ireland to visit them. One of the happiest periods in her life was when they lived in Thailand and experienced a different culture where she found many treasures and memories. She loved the Thai people and became very close to them. She loved being called Madame and Mama Janis.
Holidays were most important and she enjoyed being surrounded by family.
Her absolute favorite food was Mexican and one of her favorite restaurants was Ponak's where she enjoyed sharing a pitcher of margaritas with family and friends.
Janis is elated to be in heaven, with her sister, probably enjoying one of many of their favorite deserts, shopping with her sister, and sharing hard candy with her father.


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