Janis G. (Goodwin) McGaugh of Waldron, Arkansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 6, 2026. She was born on March 7, 1937, in Scott County, Arkansas, to Timothy and Audrey (Jones) Goodwin.
Janis was a hardworking woman who spent many years as a seamstress at the Waldron Furniture Factory before later working as a cook at Country Express. She had a gift for caring for others, and one of the ways she showed her love was through food. She was a wonderful cook, and her family will always agree that no one could make fried taters quite like Janis.
She enjoyed gardening, reading, and caring for animals. Janis had a tender heart for strays and was well known for feeding any hungry animal that came her way. Her beloved dog, Loretta, was living proof that Janis believed food was one of the best ways to show love.
More than anything, Janis loved being Granny. She was an “all-in Granny” who never stood on the sidelines. She played chase in the yard, joined in games of kick the can, and filled ordinary days with laughter and fun. She also took the time to teach her grandchildren important life lessons, always sharing her wisdom with love. Her grandchildren will forever treasure the memories she made with them, including the beautiful velvet dresses she lovingly made for her granddaughters many years ago.
Janis was a longtime and faithful member of Southside Baptist Church. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she showed the love of Christ through her kindness, generosity, and devotion to her family.
Janis is survived by her daughter, Connie Owens; four grandchildren, Amber Owens of Waldron, Arkansas, Cole Tucker and wife Ashley of Waldron, Arkansas, Megan Mueller and husband Michael of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Kelsie Jaggers and husband Jake of Waldron, Arkansas. Granny’s love and memory will also live on through her 10 great-grandchildren and the great-great-grandbaby who is on the way.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J.R. McGaugh; her son, Harvel Tucker; her son-in-law, Bruce Owens; her father, Timothy Goodwin; her mother, Audrey Mills; and her stepfather, Carl Mills.
Janis’ Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rowdy Tucker, Owen Mueller, Everett Jaggers, Holden Jaggers, Jake Jaggers, and Michael Mueller.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from noon until the funeral hour at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and The Springs of Waldron for the compassionate care, kindness, and love shown to Janis and her family.
Janis leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, good food, valuable lessons, and precious memories. Her family will miss her deeply, but they will carry her love with them always.
