Janice Grissom, age 63, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on December 24, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jan was born in Tupelo, MS to Price and Imogene Grissom.

She graduated from Tupelo High School, the University of North Alabama, and received her Master’s in Voice from the University of Houston where she was a member of the Houston Grand Opera Studio.

Jan performed major opera roles and concerts in the U.S. and Europe, including The Metropolitan Opera and Hamburgerische Staatsoper. She had a beautiful coloratura soprano voice, a delightful acting style, and was a joy to hear and watch. Among her highlights were singing a duet with Placido Domingo and performing with Luciano Pavarotti and Marcelo Giordani.

Jan taught Voice and Opera Workshop at Brenau University. She was also Music Director at North Metro Child Development Center in Lawrenceville, GA, and had a private voice studio.

In addition to her love of music, Jan was an avid volunteer for animal rescue and put on an annual benefit concert with her students for rescue groups. She transported hundreds of dogs from overcrowded shelters to new homes and families across the Eastern U.S.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Charley Price Grissom and Imogene Harbor Grissom. She is survived by her son Kent Hernandez; her sisters Melinda Kruyer McKenna and her husband Dan, Lisa Grissom, Angela Forst and her husband Todd; her nephews and niece Matt Kruyer and his wife Jessica, Anna Kruyer and her husband Davide Amato, Taylor Forst and Tanner Forst.

Jan was well-loved by her students, friends, and family.

A memorial service will be held at Lawrenceville Methodist Church on January 8, 2023, at 2:00 PM.