NORTON, VA.                                                                                                            DECEMBER 10, 2024

Janice Marie (Connell) Bolling of Norton, Virginia, peacefully entered her eternal Heavenly home on December 10, 2024, at the age of 83.

Born in Norton, VA, Jan was the oldest of two girls—a big sister to Linda. As a family of four, they walked to church together each week to a building down the street, the first meeting place of Esserville Church. As charter members, her father played a role in building their very first church building in 1951. Jan became a follower of Jesus, loved Him with all her heart, and was baptized at Powell Valley Lake at the age of 13. Her love for and commitment to God only grew, and it was most evident in the boundless love she showed to others. She remained devoted to Esserville Church her entire life. It was there she married the love of her life, Carlos. They were married for 64 years and lived the most beautiful love story of selflessness, loyalty, generosity, and unconditional love. During their 64-year marriage, they were blessed with two children, Rhonda and Carla. Jan embraced motherhood with joy and excitement, loving and caring for her girls with a tender and selfless heart. Jan cared for people in countless ways, giving her time and energy to meet needs and share love. One of the many ways she did this was by sharing her gift of cooking. If you had the privilege of enjoying one of Jan's meals—or even just one piece of her perfectly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge—you would never forget it. Many have deemed her "the best cook in the world." Undoubtedly, the love and hospitality she poured into every meal contributed to the experience of enjoying everything she made. Whether coaching her daughters' Bible Bowl team or bringing home the trophy in her local "Hit or Miss" bowling league, she enjoyed friendly competition. Her team loyalty didn't stop there; she was one of the biggest John I. Burton Raider fans around, and the Tennessee Vols knew no greater cheerleader. From watching every single game with her beloved Carlos to discussing Vols details with her fellow sports fanatics in the family, Jan was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable supporter who found so much joy in cheering on her teams. Perhaps the most profound quality of Jan, though, was her love that simply knew no bounds. It was an uncommon kind of love. A tender smile and caring voice that brought a peace, love, and gentleness to all who met her. To know Jan, was to love her; but to know her was also to be loved by her. She knew her Savior, Jesus, and she walked out his love in the most beautiful way. This verse in the Bible is truly and astoundingly the most beautiful and accurate description of what Janice Marie Bolling embodied and exuded throughout her life: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Jan was preceded in death by her parents Cossie and Marie Connell, and her grandson Little Lev Smith.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Carlos Bolling. Her children: Rhonda Smith; Carla Beverly, and husband, Bud. Her sister: Linda Hall, and husband, Jerry. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Amber Barnette, and husband, Chris; Nikki Hayes, and husband, Ryan; Kayla Stroud, and husband, Aaron; Joshua Beverly, and wife, Kelsey; Ashley Wallace, and husband, Brett; Adam Smith; Aaron Smith. As well as her treasured 9 great-grandchildren: Bryson, Emma, Jacson, Clara, Judah, Ethan, Ezra, Annie, and Henry; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Jan Bolling will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Esserville Community Church 5338 Esserville Road Norton, VA 24273 with Pastor Scott Price and Pastor Bud Beverly officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Big Stone Gap, VA. Family will receive friends from 12 noon till time of services at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Church.

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.