Janith Rose (Clapper) Bivens, age 71, of Brownwood, Texas, began walking on streets of gold with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 29, 2011. She was at her home. Funeral services will be held at the Davis-Morris Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8
Janith was born on May 28, 1940 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Edward Urban Clapper and Rosemary Louise (Mackzum) Clapper. Janith’s older sister, Judith, anxiously awaited her little sister’s arrival. They were close in age and over the years close in heart.
In May 1958 Janith graduated from North Miami High School. She inherited the artistic talents of both her parents and found great pleasure in using her talents in her life’s work and hobbies. She loved to watch football, go to estate sales/auctions, ramble around Texas with her husband, care for animals, read, do home improvements, and quilt. In fact, Janith was a member and a Blue Ribbon award-winner of the Brownwood Quilters’ Guild. In spite of the many challenges she faced throughout her life, she remained a feisty, fun-loving person. Janith would say she was born to fish and forced to work. She held various positions over the years and was employed by the Brownwood Independent School District for 18 years prior to her retirement in 2000.
Janith married James A. Bivens, Sr. on October 5, 1974. The Rev. Dr. J. A. McDaniel performed the ceremony at Faith Baptist Church where they were both members and worshipped for over 37 years.
Janith fought the battle of ovarian cancer for over 14 years. As a Christian woman, her faith never wavered. And she would say her valiant, miraculous strength to fight came from God. She was preceeded in death by her parents and her husband, James A. Bivens, Sr., on November 29, 2011.
Survivors include her sister, Judith A. (Clapper) Baker of Lebanon, OR and her brother, Charles M. Clapper and wife, Karla, of Vail, AZ; and her children: stepson James A. Bivens, Jr. and wife Sonja of Arlington, TX; daughter Cheryl L. Carter and husband Mike of Azle, TX; son Chris A. Hart and wife Jerrie of Springtown, TX; daughter Rosemary I. Kinman and husband Gary of Coppell, TX; and son John E. Bivens and wife Tracy of Westfork, AR; and many loved nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Janith R. Bivens to the General Fund at Faith Baptist Church or to Lighthouse Hospice, both in Brownwood, TX.
