COLBERT, JANIE REBECCA (AGE 98) OF TEMPLE HILLS, MD

My Living Was Not In Vain

Janie Rebecca Ross Colbert's journey expanded 98 years. Janie was born on September 3, 1916 in Pisgah, Maryland to the late John D. and Winnie E (Bowman) Ross. After the passing of Winnie, John Ross married Edna Moore and together they reared Janie and her ten siblings. She was the eldest child, and was raised in a strong Christian valued family household.

Janie accepted Christ at an early age joining Zion Baptist Church, Welcome, MD, and began her work serving the Lord at a young age. She attended public schools in Charles County, MD. She continued her education, and completed a two-year study program for teaching at Bowie Normal School in the late 1930's. Her journey as a teacher began in Chester Town (Eastern Shore) MD in which she had to make a long walk each day to a one room school with a wood stove. In 1945, Janie returned to her home in Pisgah, Charles County, MD to teach elementary school; later she joined the facility at J.C. Parks Elementary School. She worked as an educator in Charles County for 30 years. Throughout her life, Janie was open to learning and advancing her skills. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1973 from Bowie State College. She received many rewards for her educational achievements and work in the school system.
Her journey included marriage to the late Harold Colbert on July 29, 1949, moving to Chapel Hill, MD, and becoming a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Two children were born from her union with Harold. She and Harold reached out and extended their home with an open door to other family members which Janie continued to do after his death. Her home was filled with Christian love. One of her greatest joys in life was assisting with the upbringing of her granddaughter, Sharonda. Janie loved cooking, sewing, crafts, poetry, reading, listening to Gospel music, eating out at restaurants, going on family vacations, & shopping especially for other people. She delighted in preparing Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, & other Sunday meals for her family & friends.. One of her pleasures was watching her daughter, Janice, and her granddaughter, Sharonda praising God through Liturgical dance.

Although Janie had a quiet personality, she was actively involved and under took leadership roles at Grace and the community for many years until her health prevented from during so. She believed strongly is utilizing her God given gifts, and also in the benefit of education. Her work at Grace for over 50 years included: Chairperson of Worship for approximately 5 years; Sunday day school teacher; director & teacher of Vacation Bible School; Youth Fellowship Chairperson; Hospitality Club; Chairperson of Education; United Methodist Women; Membership Care; Nuturing Ministry; Busy Bee Chairperson; and Mansfield Scholarship. She also was active in the community working many years in the 4 H Club, tutoring many students in her home, doing volunteer work with P.G. Dept. of Family Services, and the Office of Aging. She was an active Eastern Star for many years.


Janie maintained her independence in her own home for 87 years, but the next aspect of her journey occurred when she moved to Temple Hills with her daughter related to changes with her health. Later in life, Janie was blessed with another granddaughter, Bianka, who along with Sharonda, were very supportive and caring for their grandmother during her struggle with Alzheimer. She continued to enjoy time with her family, and attending Grace United Methodist Church until her earthly journey ended. She made her transition to be with the Lord on Monday, March 16, 2015.

Janie's legacy of love will always be cherished by her family. She leaves to mourn: a son, John Howard Colbert (Vanessa), a daughter, Janie Marie Colbert, two granddaughters, Sharonda Daniels (Sam) and Bianka Hammonds, two great grand-children, Nylah and Alaia, a brother, Tyrone Ross (Mary); two sisters, Nampeo Dorothy (Rev. Martin McKenney) and Piney Andoh (Robert) two god children, Judy Davis and Ada Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.


Janie's husband, Harold, and five brothers Willie, John, Melvin, Eugene, Clarence and two sisters, Marie Ross and Dorothy Smith are joyously waiting for Janie in her new heavenly home.

Her viewing will be held from 9am until time of service 11am on Monday, March 16, 2015 at Grace United Methodist Church, 11700 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744. Interment Church Cemetery.