Janice Sue Aunspaugh Heffer Wright—beloved mother, grandmother, family member, friend,
educator, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ—entered the presence of her Savior on
September 10, 2025 at age 88 years. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert
Heffer, and her second husband, James Wright.
Janice was born on April 4, 1937, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Aaron and Thelma Aunspaugh. She
was raised in Houston, Texas, where she came to know Jesus as her Savior in the Christian and
Missionary Alliance Church. Her faith remained the foundation of her life, guiding her steps in
family, career, worship in song (voice and piano), and service to others.
Janice graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston before pursuing her calling in
education at Nyack Bible College in Nyack, New York, where she earned her degree in Christian
Education and English. She later completed her Master’s degree and Doctor of Education
degree in Teacher Education at the University of Houston.
Janice’s passion for children and education shaped a lifelong career. She taught in several
elementary schools in the Houston Independent School District and served in numerous
administrative roles before serving as HISD’s Director of Early Childhood Education until her
retirement. She trained and mentored teachers and had specialization in Science and English
literacy, especially with children from different language and culture groups.
Janice also shared her knowledge, mentorship, and inspiration as Instructor, and later as
Visiting Assistant Professor, at the University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake, and St. Thomas
University. She nurtured the professional and personal development of undergraduate and
graduate students in her courses and field experience supervision, always with an emphasis on
practical skills and character development.
Throughout her distinguished career, Janice was active in numerous professional and
educational organizations. She was a member of the Nyack Honors Society and Phi Delta
Kappa, served on the Board of Directors for the Literacy Advancement of Houston, and was a
proud member of the Texas Association of Teacher Education.
Janice’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children Robert Heffer
Jr., and his wife Lisa Heffer; Tami Heffer Gilmore, and her husband David Gilmore; Timothy
Heffer, and his wife Meg Heffer; and Jonathan Heffer, and his wife Lori Heffer; their children,
grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren and extended family. Janice’s legacy of faith,
perseverance, humor, and love for all people lives on through her family and all whose lives
she touched.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service to honor what the Lord accomplished
through Janice on Saturday September 20th 11:00 AM-Noon. The service will be held in the
Youth Lower Auditorium at Central Church 1991 FM 158 College Station, Texas 77845.
Following the service, lunch and fellowship will be offered in nearby rooms for all.
Messages about Janice may be uploaded and viewed at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/college-station-tx/janice-wright-12517178
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation in Janice H. Wright’s name to
https://tjamf.org/Donations.html or to the Great Commission Fund at
https://secure.cmalliance.org/give/
Janice’s life and devotion to the gospel message of Jesus Christ made an enduring impact on
countless students, colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family members. She will be deeply
missed and forever cherished. We long for the day when we will be united with our Savior, and
our Mom.
In Memoriam