FORT SMITH — Mary Jane “Janie” Hendricks Freeze

of Fort Smith passed away on Jan. 18, 2024. She was born August 23, 1928, to parents William B. Hendricks and Mary Myrtle (Walkord) Hendricks.

She is survived by her husband of 75 years, Jack Freeze, her sisters Sister Rebecca Hendricks and Bodie Hatcher, and four children; Vicki Casey married to John, Lynn Owen married to Russell, Bill Freeze married to Leigh and Jim Freeze married to Tammy. She was blessed to have 14 grandchildren who called her “Ging-Ging” and 17 great-grandchildren.

Janie grew up on the family farm, Hendricks Hills, that was later developed into residential properties with streets named after the families’ Irish roots such as Henricks Blvd., Wicklow Drive, etc. The Hendricks family was instrumental in the establishment of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at the head of Rogers Avenue which was Janie’s home church. Her ancestor Andrew Hendrick was one of the original Irish settlers who sailed from Liverpool England to New Orleans in 1850. This was part of an emigration from Wicklow County, Ireland, to start new lives and churches in America.

Janie had a blessed life of faith, family, and friends. She loved social activities such as 50 years of Birthday Club with 8 special friends and Supper Club with 5 couples for many years. She enjoyed playing Bridge via Bridge Club and Bridge foursomes. She was the “first lady” of Fort Smith for 16 years as her husband Jack was Mayor from 1967 – 1982 and she served in various civic volunteer roles during this time.

Rosary will be 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church with burial in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorials may be sent to: Immaculate Conception Church, 22 North 13th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.