Janice (Morton) Dacus

Janice Morton Dacus, age 80, passed away at her home on March 12, 2016.

Mrs. Dacus was born on Jan. 7, 1936, and grew up in Moscow, Tennessee. She was predeceased by her father Joseph Raymond Morton Sr., her mother Dorothy Rich Morton, and her husband of 60 years, James Walter Dacus, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter Dottie Northam (Doug) of Franklin, TN, son Murray Dacus (Jamie) of Bartlett, and son Sheldon Dacus (Susan) of Germantown, six grandchildren, Sean Northam (Jessica), Amy Hillard (Joseph), Ryan Dacus (Megan), Shannon Dacus, Drew Dacus, and Wesley Dacus, and five great grandchildren, Brayden Hillard, Harper Dacus, Brooks Dacus, Jordan Northam, and Leah Northam.  She is also survived by her brother, Joe Morton (Jeanne) of Bartlett.  Jan Dacus graduated from Fayette County High School in Somerville, Tennessee.

She attended Memphis State University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Education.  A dedicated educator, she spent 38 years with the Shelby County Schools, the last 35 teaching Spanish at Germantown High School.  She sponsored many student trips to Mexico and Spain.  She was an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society.  Jan was a faithful member of Germantown United Methodist Church where she was active with the United Methodist Women and often serving as a Sunday School teacher.  Jan was a competitive bridge player and delighted in sharing her love of the game by teaching classes to both experienced players and newcomers alike.  She made many dear friends through bridge and earned the Life Master designation.  Among her many pursuits during retirement, she enjoyed working in her flower garden and sharing her beautiful flowers with family and friends.  Her home was often filled with family and friends enjoying her wonderful cooking and welcoming hospitality.  Many a laughter filled game night with children and grandchildren lasted into the wee hours.  She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and her brother, Joe, and sister-in-law, Jeanne.   Longtime Memphis Tiger fans, Jan and James were season ticket holders for both the Lady Tigers’ and men’s basketball teams.  Jan will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Services of Remembrance for Mrs. Dacus were conducted at 12 P.M. Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the Germantown United Methodist Church with Rev. Ryan Boatwright, minister of pastoral care, officiating. Personal remarks were given by Joe Morton and special music was provided by Linda Hensley, soloist. Interment followed in the Friendship Cemetery at Moscow. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center - Main Chapel of Somerville.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Joe Ray Morton, Carl Warren, Allan Hensley, Clay Bumpers, Mike Brooks and Jeff Rast. Honorary pallbearers will include Greg Evans.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Friendship Cemetery, c/o Betty Dacus, 2065 Fortune Road, Moscow, TN 38057, The Church Health Center, 1196 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148.