Janis "Jan" Holcomb Baria

Janis “Jan” Holcomb Baria passed away on February 10, 2025.  Janis was born on September 7, 1936, to Arvil and Ethel Holcomb in Gulfport, MS.  She had one older brother (Gene Holcomb) who served in the Navy during WWII.  Jan started her musical training early in life, with piano lessons at the age of 6 and learning to play the organ at 11 years of age.  After graduating from Gulfport High School, Janis married a young Baptist preacher by the name of William A. Baria.  She graduated from Youngstown State University and earned her master’s degree from the University of South Alabama.  Janis and Bill Baira continued in the ministry for over 50 years.  Her contributions to their ministry ranged from using her beautiful singing voice, playing the piano and organ, and directing the choir when needed.  They were a team in ministry at various churches, primarily in Mississippi and Ohio.  She dearly loved the old hymns and wanted them to be played at her funeral.  Her favorite hymn was “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”.  Janis was also a career school teacher and guidance counselor, ending her career at East Central School District, retiring in 1998. 

After Bill passed away in 2005, she remained at their home in Vancleave and attended Pine Lake Baptist Church and First Baptist Vancleave, where she participated in both churches’ music programs.  During her later years she lived with her son, Warren Baria and his wife, Karen, at their Agricola home. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Baria; parents, Arvil and Ethel Holcomb; brother, Gene (Sue) Holcomb; granddaughter, Danielle Baria.

She is survived by her son, Warren (Karen) Baria; daughter, Chere (Bob) Kersmarki of Streator, IL; grandchildren, Christina (Frank) Bass, Victoria (Anthony) Vail, Kimberly (Anthony) Ponta, Rob (Suzie) Kersmarki; as well as numerous great grandchildren.

Finally, Jan would’ve wanted to share one final scripture with those who remember and loved her:  “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.  If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word;  and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”  John 14:21, 23

Special recognition to Jan’s longtime friend, Jane Jacobs, who continued to be close to mother, even in her declining years, as well as Hospice of Light and Sparrow Hills care facility, for their kindness in her final days.

The Visitation will be Friday, February 14, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Moments Funeral Home.  The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Brian Miller officiating.  Burial will be in Waynesboro Cemetery.

Moments Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements

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