Janice Virginia Smith

Janice Virginia Smith Briant (Swoger), 83, of Washington, PA, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at McMurray Hills Manor.

Janice was born on February 2, 1943, in Rennerdale, PA, the daughter of the late Harold Swoger and Marjorie Kelly. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Richard Briant III; her brother, and Dave Swoger.

Janice attended Carlington High School before continuing her education at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, and earning her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University for PA. Following college, she began her career in education, working as a long-term substitute teacher in the McGuffey School District. This experience helped foster her deep love for teaching and her compassion for students. She later became a full-time teacher at Faith Christian School and Faith Community Christian School, a position she held with great pride and dedication.

Throughout her life, Janice felt a growing calling to serve the Lord. Answering that call, she attended seminary in her 50’s and earned a Master of Divinity degree. She devoted herself to sharing the Word of God and ministering to others, serving in various Methodist churches throughout Fairmont, Morgantown, and Brookhaven, and Washington WV. Her faith was the foundation of her life, bringing her comfort, strength, and purpose. Even in her final days, Janice continued to share the Word of the Lord, a testament to the enduring strength of her faith.

Janice’s love for Jesus was evident in the way she lived her life. She was an optimistic and encouraging woman who found joy in reading the Bible, praying, and sharing her faith with those around her. Even during difficult times, she remained a source of comfort and encouragement to her family and others. She firmly believed that true joy came from putting Jesus first, others second, and herself last. Her unwavering faith and loving spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her devotion to her faith, Janice possessed a remarkable artistic talent. She loved drawing and creating beautiful pieces of art that her family will cherish for generations. Her passion for art was so strong that she even taught an art class in Toccoa, GA. Through both her artwork and her ministry, Janice found meaningful ways to share her gifts and touch the lives of others. She wrote many songs and loved to sing them. Janice directed over 60 years of vacation bible school programs.

Janice is survived by her loving children and their spouses: sons Stephen Briant (Diane), Wyatt Briant (Wendy), Wesley Briant (Christy), Zachary King (Brianna) and Rodney Horner (Chelsea); and daughters Marjorie Ruschell, April Briant, and Amber Briant (Tony). She is also survived by two men she lovingly considered sons, Joey Daniels (Laura) and George Simonelli (Angie). In addition, she was the foster mother to 27 children.

She leaves behind 23 cherished grandchildren: Monica (Brad), Jordan (Amelia), Heston, Evan, Lindsey, Garrett, Dawson, Wesley Jr. (Heidi), Maegan, Hope (Que), Faith, Victoria, Katlyn (Jonnie), Matthew, Elija, Lily-Ann, Ray-Lynn, Chrisopher, Aaliyah, Drayden, Layla, Joey, and Nicolas. She is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren: Iris, Malik, Luke, Leia, Evan, Kenzie, Winston, Conner, Camille, Chloe, Camryn, Ezekial, and Grayson.

Janice is further survived by her brothers and sisters and their spouses: Ted Swoger (Andrea), Carl Swoger (Debbie), Phyllis Seuhr, Sharon Kirkland, Linda Haviland (Richard), and Debroah Heck; as well as her sister-in-law, Midge Swoger.

In accordance with Janice’s wishes, all services will be private.