Janice Anna (Emswiler) Laver

Janice Anna (Emswiler) Laver, 92 of Baltimore, Ohio passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at her residence. She was born March 23, 1934, in Pataskala, Ohio, to the Late Byron and Thelma T. (Smoke) Emswiler.

Janice was an employee of Hocking Valley National Bank, co-owner of the Baltimore Chimney Sweep and a self-employed tax consultant.

Janice was happiest in her flower gardens and created several beautiful arrangements for entry into the Fairfield County Fair each year, where she earned numerous blue ribbons. She joined the Basil Garden Club in the early 1960’s, was an active member, club officer, past President, hosted August meetings at her home on Buckeye Lake and the Christmas party at her home in Baltimore. Through the years, she “did the flowers” for many weddings.

Janice loved decorating for Christmas, and her home showed it — she kept a Christmas tree in every room, each one a reflection of her creativity and design of the things she cherished most.

Janice and her husband, Jim, were passionate collectors of fine glassware, especially Cambridge Rosepoint and Caprice. Together they found joy in being active members of the National Cambridge Collectors, faithfully attending the annual convention together and sharing their deep love for Cambridge glass with the many friends they made through the years.

Janice was a member of Mt. Zion United Church of Christ. She was member and past President of Chi Sighs OCCL, honorary member of Basil Garden Club, past President of Liberty Union Elementary PTO and was instrumental in helping to pass the levy to build the current Elementary school.

Janice is survived by daughters Suzanne Brigner and Dianne (Dwayne) Miller; grandchildren, Corbin (Madeline) Brigner, Avery (Sidney) Miller and Adrienne Miller; great-grandson Paxton Bo Miller. Several nieces and nephews. Caregiver and friend Tehya Norris.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, James F. Laver, her parents, brother C. Dean Emswiler and sister-in-law Velma Emswiler, brother-in law M. Jack Laver.

Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 207 S. MAIN ST., BALTIMORE, OHIO 43105 with Rev. Jill Dunlap officiating. Burial will follow in Basil Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends may visit Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the funeral home and 1 hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the following: Basil Joint Fire District, 410 W. Washington St., Baltimore, OH 43105 or Fairhope Hospice at 282 Sells Rd, Lancaster, OH 43130.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.