Mary Janice Langston

Mary Janice Langston was born on November 20, 1940 to Willie B. Langston and Mary Lee Langston in Newnan, Georgia. The family moved to Akron, Ohio in 1944.

Mary attended Akron North High School.  She went to work for the State of Ohio in September 1973 and remained employed there until she retired in 2008, after 35 years of dedicated service. Her pleasant and friendly disposition won the admiration and respect of everyone she dealt with on and off the job.

She also was known as the Avon Lady, selling, and distributing their products to the many friends and family that availed themselves of her services for many years.

She was best known for her love of family and her generous spirit.  She would take the initiative to help and care for family, most notably, taking care of her ailing mother for over 20 years before her passing in 2003. She was always running errands, preparing, and delivering meals. She would literally give her last to anyone in need.  She continued to find fulfillment in helping family during her retirement years. She loved to travel, doing so with her siblings on a few occasions, which she enjoyed immensely.

She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and was a member of the Akron West Congregation for decades until becoming a member of the Bath Congregation in 2017.

She was always active in her ministry and helped many to become familiar with the truths found in the Bible. Even after suffering a massive stroke in 2014, during her stay at Arbors of Fairlawn Nursing Facility, she was still active in Bible studies conducted there and witnessing to residents and workers whenever possible. She loved singing Kingdom songs and watching JW Broadcasting daily. Those who knew her, knew of her faith and her hope for the future.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Willie B. and Mary Lee Langston; brothers, James Langston and Danny Langston.

She is survived by her three sons Randall A. Langston, Robert R. Langston (Malinthea), and Rodney M. Langston (Victoria); siblings, Wray Langston (Gloria), Margaret Powers; grandchildren, Allan R. Harris (Shanay), Brandie Langston, Kyle Langston, Colin Langston, Tyler Langston, Jacob Langston, and Mariella Langston; 4 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.