Janice Wayne, 72 of Clayton, passed away on June 24, 2026. Born on May 30, 1954, she was the daughter of the late John W. Wayne Jr. and Betty Royal Wayne of Decatur, GA. After attending North Georgia College where she played basketball, Janice moved to Rabun County in 1976 and spent 38 years as a teacher and coach in the Rabun County School District. She taught physical education (P.E.) and English and coached girls’ basketball, softball, and was involved in Wildcat athletics in a multitude of ways. Later in her career, she transitioned to Rabun County Middle School where she continued coaching and teaching. Her RCMS girls’ basketball teams won several championships under her leadership. During the Summer months, Janice could be found teaching swimming lessons at the YMCA.

Janice was a Silver Sister (29 years) in the Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary Fraternal organization focusing on building Educational Excellence, Altruism, and World Understanding, where she served in many capacities. She loved sports, participating, coaching, refereeing, managing, watching, and teaching, she loved playing. Janice also enjoyed camping, motorcycle riding, and spending time with her family and friends. Janice was an adventurous traveler, whether by air, rail, sea, or a camper; hiking, kayaking, and biking all the way. She visited all fifty states and many countries from Mexico, to floating the Zambezi, Danube, and Rhine Rivers; hiking in Cape town and Victoria Falls, exploring the Scottish Highlands, and skiing Switzerland’s Matterhorn. She was a member of the Appalachian Angels Women on Wheels. Janice was a thoughtful and faithful friend.

Janices’ spouse, Gail Crowe of Clayton, GA, preceded her in death. Survivors include her mother Betty R Wayne, Conyers, GA, four brothers, John Wallace Wayne III (Debbie), of Mineral, VA, William Jeffrey Wayne (Susan), of Greer, SC, James Edwin Wayne (Amber), of Conyers, GA; Eric Jason Wayne (Jessica) of Oakwood, GA, and one sister, Julia LeAnn Wayne, of Conyers GA. She was also a favorite Aunt to 17 nieces and nephews and 25 great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Rabun County High School Fine Arts Buildings with the Rev. Lee Krivsky officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Janice’s memory to

Kelli Welch Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations can be mailed to 230 Wildcat Hill Drive, Tiger, GA 30576.

Alpha Delta Kappa, Rabun County Teacher Scholarship Fund https://square.link/u/1af2LHV1?src=sheet