Celebrating the Life of a Faithful Servant "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

Janie Ruth Kershaw was born on February 27, 1949, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the late Lucy Bell Ellis and the late Carl Ellis. She received her education in the Spartanburg County School System and was a proud 1968 graduate of Carver High School.

Janie was a joyful and obedient woman of God. She was a devoted wife, cherished mother, treasured grandmother, and faithful member of Majority Baptist Church for over 40 years. She lived a life marked by unwavering faith, abundant love, and quiet strength. Her favorite color was red, a vibrant reflection of her bold spirit and radiant heart. Wherever she went, she brought warmth, joy, and compassion, always grounded in her deep commitment to God and her family.

A dedicated worshipper, Janie was a former member of both the Mass Choir and the Senior Choir. Janie joyfully lifted her voice in praise. As a Missionary, she humbly served the church and community visiting the sick, praying for others, and offering words of encouragement to all she encountered. She also actively participated in the church's Exercise Ministry, demonstrating her belief in caring for both body and spirit.

Janie was a loving and supportive wife, a nurturing and wise mother, and a proud grandmother who cherished time with her family. She touched lives through her kindness, obedience, and steadfast devotion to Christ.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Earl Kershaw; her children, John Earl Kershaw, Jr. and Renee Deanne Kershaw; and her siblings, Cecil Ellis, Alice Hackett, Cora Woodson, Julia M. Higgins, and Betty L. Martin.

Left to carry her legacy and cherish her memory are her children, Carlton Kershaw of Lyman, SC, and Regina Kershaw of the home; sisters, Georgia M. Fincher of Spartanburg, SC, Dorothy Smith of Boiling Springs, SC, Peggy Harris of Boiling Springs SC, Elnora Lindsay of Columbia, SC, Jeroline (Richard) Tinsley of Spartanburg, SC, and Sylvia (Vernon) Smith of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Jamaya Rice, Christian Kershaw, Kristen Kershaw, Angel Nixon, Ashley Kershaw, John "JR" Rice, and Jared Rice; great-grandchildren, Addyson Kershaw and Keeley Nixon; devoted best friends, Mary Coker, Summer Rookard, Frances Ridgeway, Reverend Detra Ferguson Williams, and Linda Rice; and a host of niece, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Though we will miss her deeply, we rejoice in knowing that on Saturday, May 10, 2025, she entered into eternal rest—clothed in glory and singing in the heavenly choir. Her legacy of faith and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:21