Janice McMillan Connor

Janice McMillan Connor

October 9, 1945 – March 24, 2026

Janice McMillian Connor, a woman whose life was defined by love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family, passed away peacefully and surrounded by so much love in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 24, at the age of 80.

Born on October 9, 1945, to Nallie Virginia Davis and Thomas Mitchell McMillan, Janice grew up with a strong sense of family that she carried throughout her life. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Mike Edwin Connor, with whom she shared 42 beautiful years of marriage before his passing in 2008.

Janice is survived by her two daughters, April Connor Tillman of Knoxville, TN, and Trina Barlow (Davy) of Baxley, GA. She was a proud and devoted “Noona” to her five grandchildren: Connor Wilkerson (Reagan) of Hazlehurst, GA; Mikela Barlow of Starkville, MS; Mikel Barlow (Zoie), Joshua Barlow (Bibi), and John David Barlow, all of Baxley, GA. Her legacy continues through her three great-grandchildren, Chase Wilkerson, Charlie Wilkerson, and Wil Barlow.

She is also survived by her beloved sisters: Karel Mobley of Ocilla, GA; Gail Brooks (Ray) of Columbus, GA; Sharon Curry (Steve) of Tifton, GA; and Nelta Kimbell of Monroe, NC, along with her sister-in-law, Marianna Connor of Tifton, GA. In addition, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, many of whom she loved as her own family.

Janice graduated from Tift County High School in 1963 and began a remarkable 40-plus-year career in banking. Starting as a teller in Tifton, she continued her work in Palm Coast, FL, before eventually settling in Baxley, GA, where she became a respected and beloved head teller at Baxley Federal Bank. Her work ethic, kindness, and dedication left a lasting impression on both colleagues and customers alike.

In November of 1966, Janice married Mike, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and commitment. Together, they spent a few years in both Tifton and Palm Coast before making Baxley their home, where they built a life centered around family and community.

A faithful member of Sand Hill Creek Free Will Baptist Church, Janice lived her life grounded in her faith. After Mike’s passing, she returned to Tifton to live along the Alapaha River, one of her most cherished places. There, she found peace in simple joys: early mornings with a cup of coffee on the back porch, quiet moments of reflection, and her daily “good morning” texts to her sister group chat.

Even in retirement, Janice’s heart for serving others never faded. She spent 13 years working part-time at Maple Court Senior Care and Cypress Pond Senior Care, where she cared for others with the same compassion and warmth that defined her life.

Janice found joy in the little things—golf cart rides, boat rides down the river, reading, crosswords, and long card games of Golf and Canasta. She loved to fish, travel, and explore new places, whether it was the beach, the mountains, or wherever her sisters or family were. But more than anything, she loved showing up for her family. She rarely missed a game, match, or event, proudly cheering on her grandchildren in football, golf, baseball, basketball, and especially softball. She was, without question, a die-hard “softball Noona.”

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment. She loved them deeply, spoiled them endlessly, and supported them without hesitation. But as much as she adored them, she also believed in keeping them in line. Anyone who knew her grandchildren knows that one story will always be told, the legendary tales of Janice and her leather fly swatter. It was her tool of discipline, delivered with just the right mix of firmness and love, and has since become one of the family’s most cherished (and often laughed-about) memories.

Janice’s life was a beautiful reflection of what it means to love well, to serve faithfully, and to cherish family above all else. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, humor, and unconditional love that will live on in all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Rev. Allen Carter officiating. Interment will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Tifton with Rev. Rick Brown officiating.

Active pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Connor Wilkerson, Mikela Barlow, Mikel Barlow, Joshua Barlow, and John David Barlow, and her nephew, Scott Mobley.

Honorary pallbearers will be all current and past employees of Cypress Pond Senior Care and Maple Court Senior Care who worked alongside Janice and cared for her in her final days.

Visitation will be one hour before the funeral service.

Family will be gathering at 6280 Buck Head Road, Baxley, GA 31513.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Swain Funeral Home.