Janice Sue Austin Green

Janice Sue Austin Green, a woman of remarkable spirit passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at St Vincent's Hospital, Arkansas Hospice on March 21, 2025. She was 75 years old. Born on July 25, 1949, in Aberdeen, Kentucky to Cliff and Susie Bratcher Austin. Janice lived a life filled with passion, service, and unwavering faith.
Janice was a true champion in the arena, a renowned barrel racer whose skill and determination earned her a place among the elite. She was a proud member of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and served with distinction as the President of the Great Lakes WPRA. Her exceptional talent took her to the pinnacle of her sport, the National Finals Rodeo, during its last year in Oklahoma City, where she was enshrined in the National Cowboy Museum.
Beyond the rodeo arena, Janice was a woman of diverse talents and interests. A graduate of Beauty College, she had an eye for style. She loved and nurtured horses, dogs, cats and plants. She was also a formidable competitor, traveling the United States as a member of the Arkansas Traveling Bowling Team.
She was a devoted member of the Arkansas Order of the Eastern Star, where she was elected as Worthy Grand Matron (WGM) of the State. Her passion for supporting a life of faith was evident in her avid support of the Eastern Star Training for Religious Leadership (ESTARL) program, which provides scholarships to aspiring Christian leaders. In her year as WGM, she was instrumental in raising over $20,000 in donations to the Arkansas Humane Society.
Above all, Janice was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She lived her life as a testament to her love for Jesus Christ, a guiding light that shone brightly in all she did. Her active participation in her community and her unwavering support of others reflected the true essence of her Christian Spirit.
Janice is survived by her loving husband, Johnny Green, of Jacksonville; two daughters, Ashley Green (Chris Jones of Little Rock) and Lisa Bibb; sisters, Barbra Ackerson (Jim of Stanford, Illinois) and Peggy Burden; brother Joseph Austin (Vickie of Clinton, Illinois); several grandchildren and great grandchildren including Ryan and Avery Tucker (of Phoenix, Arizona); many cherished nieces and nephews and a vast network of dear friends. The family would like to thank the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Multiple Myeloma treatment team lead by Dr. Samer Al Hadidi and Heather Brown, APRN.
A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Crossroads Cowboy Church in El Paso, Arkansas with visitation at 1 pm, memorial service at 2 pm in the main sanctuary, followed immediately by a potluck in the church's fellowship hall. Friends and family are invited to share memories while breaking bread.
Flowers may be sent to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, or memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County:
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com