Janice Ireland

Janice Marie Ireland was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 6, 1938; daughter of Fielding Watson (Bud) Ireland and Ruth Peters Ireland. She died on Sunday, March 20, 2011. Janice graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1956 and attended Christian Female College (now named Columbia College) in Columbia, Missouri. Janice and a close friend traveled throughout Europe for six months during the mid 1960's. Upon returning to the United States, she took a position as Secretary to the Executive Officer at The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. From 1968-1977 Janice worked as Office Manager/Personal-Appointment Secretary to Arkansas Congressman Wilbur Mills, who was Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in the U.S. House of Representatives. From 1977-1980 she served as Confidential Assistant to the Under Secretary for Monetary Affairs, Anthony M. Solomon, at the Department of the Treasury. During this period, Janice was one of two staff members selected to travel with the Under Secretary. This assignment included meetings in Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Russia, Romania, Yugoslavia, Germany, People's Republic of China and Japan. When Under Secretary Solomon left government service, she became Private Secretary to the Under Secretary of International Trade, Lionel H. Olmer, at the Department of Commerce. Janice's adventures were many and her career demanding. She retired in Little Rock where she developed an interest in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed and spent time horseback riding and caring for her beloved pets. Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Paul Johnson. She is survived by two step-daughters, Linda Johnson Grado and Judy Johnson Tapp of Texas, their children and many loving friends who have cherished her wise counsel and loyal friendship. One could always count on Janice "to be in your corner." In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210. There will be a memorial service 10 a.m., Friday, at the North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.