Dr. Janice Marie Gantt Kissner Obituary (1940

Her Life and Her Legacy Services will take place Thursday, July 22, 2010 at the St. John Baptist Church, 400 N. 30th Street, Camden, New Jersey 08105. Burial will be immediately following at Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements are being handled by Carl Miller Funeral Home in Camden, New Jersey. 856-365-2966. Dr. Janice Marie Gantt Kissner, daughter of the late Alvin E. Gantt Sr. and Josephine E. Lindsey Gantt, departed this life Thursday, July15, 2010 after a lengthy illness. Janice was born, October 30, 1940, in Pennsauken, New Jersey. She was the fourth of ten children. She received her early education in the Pennsauken and Lawnside Public School Systems. Later the family relocated to Camden where Janice attended Burrough Junior High School and graduated from Camden High School. Janice continued her education, earning her undergraduate degree from Cheyney University, Master's degree from Penn State University, and was awarded the honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Morris Brown College. Janice was a strong black woman who believed firmly in higher education and was a living example and great motivator for her family and many others whose lives she touched. Early in her career Janice worked as an educator in Pennsylvania. After a few years of teaching she relocated to White Plains, New York and furthered her career as Director of Women and Children Services for the March of Dimes for many years. Being adventurous, Janice relocated to Chicago, where she resided for 25 years. Her last place of employment was at the Wyatt Community Center, on the south side of Chicago, in the capacity of a Grants Writer. The multi-service center serviced more than 1000 people a month of all ages. During her years in Chicago, Janice was very active in politics and child welfare initiatives. She was honored with more than 300awards over her career from many organizations. Janice left a wonderful legacy for her family and friends. Janice accepted Christ at an early age and attended Bethel A.M.E Church in Pennsauken and Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Lawnside, New Jersey. After relocating to Camden, New Jersey in the 1950s, Janice moved her membership, joining her Aunt Mary Green, to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in Philadelphia, where she was a faithful member for many years. Janice relocated from White Plains, New York to Chicago in the 1980s and worshipped at The Vernon Park Church of God, under the leadership of Rev. Jerald January, Sr. Since her illness, Janice resided in Berrien Springs, Michigan with her sister, Sally. Janice was a very ambitious, outgoing person with a zeal for life. She always encouraged her family and anyone that she touched to strive for excellence, further their education, and pursue their dreams. Janice was fun-loving, loved to laugh, travel, and enjoyed fine foods (especially a hoagie from New Jersey). Janice's favorite past times were putting together crossword puzzles and competing in gaming and sports. Janice loved and was devoted to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. proudly displaying on her car tags "Zeta Gal". Dr.Janice Kissner reached the honored position of 17th International President Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta from serving 1974-1980. Among her countless achievements are the first National Undergraduate at Large; National Third Vice-President; Chairman, Undergraduate Council; and Golden Life Member. Dr. Kissner was the first International President to be listed in Ebony magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans. Under her leadership the sorority grew from 238 chapters to 508 and the Stork's Nest project for early prenatal and continuous care grew from 25 Nests in 1974 to 80 in 1980. Among her many "firsts", Jan initiated the "Bill of Rights for Probates and Pledgees";she was the first President to offer Honorary Membership to nationally renowned filmstars and recording artists; published the first Archonette Handbook for young girls;and was the first President to hold a Regional Conference on the continent of Africa. Additionally, her other professional positions included Director of Education, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago; Former Vice President for Programs, Chicago Mental Health Foundation; Former National Director of Community Affairs and Community-Based Programs, March of Dimes, Birth Defects Foundation; and Former educator and school administrator in Abington, PA. She leaves to cherish her memories, her mother; Josephine E. Gantt, four sisters,Josephine E. Wilson of Pennsauken, Edna M. Still of Camden, Kathie A. Lofland of Turnersville, Sally F.Gantt of Michigan, adopted sister, Diane Townes of Philadelphia; one brother, Mr. Leonard J. Gantt Sr. of Pine Hill, NJ; one brother-in-law, Rudolph Lofland, one sister-in -law, Marlene Gantt, twelve nephews, five nieces, two aunts,Dorathy Lindsey and Susan Cummings, her God children John Underwood, Mya Hilton and Ibn Hilton, lifelong friends Rose Williams and Priscella Metoyer; sisters and brothers of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; caretakers Ruth Sykes and Denise Goodwin, and a host of grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, and dear friends.