Lora Mcpherson

Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, at First Baptist Church for Lora Jane (Janie) McPherson of Artesia. Janie, 89, passed away Monday, September 14, 2020 at her home in Artesia.

Rev. Rick Sullivan will officiate at the services. Pallbearers are Kent Whitmire, Brent Hammett, Ronnie Johnston, Lewis Needham, grandson Michael McPherson, and Darwin Thompson.

Janie was born January 1, 1931, in Oilton (Creek County) Oklahoma to Jerome (Rome) and Ruby Smith. Janie was blessed with many siblings: Fred L, Lloyd Oliver, Billie Achilies, Eugene, Eula Mae (Smitty), Mona Marie, Orville Don, David & Jimmy. The family moved from Oklahoma to Arch, NM in 1935 and to Portales, NM in 1937.

Janie graduated from Portales High School in 1950 and after graduation from Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma in 1954, she began her teaching career with the Artesia Public Schools. Janie taught at Central Elementary, Cottonwood School, and Yucca Elementary. She impacted numerous lives during her 35-1/2 year teaching career.

On November 25, 1955, Janie married Jack O. McPherson in Portales, NM and the couple made their home in Artesia.

Janie loved God, her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, and God's Word, the Holy Bible. She loved people, showed kindness, and she enjoyed life. Janie was active in First Baptist Church where she enjoyed serving as a greeter as well as participating in the choir, homebound program, quartet and as a trustee.

Janie was a major Artesia Bulldog fan; she was also very patriotic and loved the USA. Janie was a great photographer and liked to take photos of sunrises and sunsets. She enjoyed traveling to Israel, participated in mission trips in various locations, and enjoyed many fun trips with her youngest daughter, Michelle. She liked to sing and liked to have fun and tease people. She also enjoyed her friendships through the Xi Beta Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi; Delta Kappa Gamma; the New Mexico Association of Educational Retirees, and the Artesia Community Bible Study. Janie was very loved by family, friends, former students and caregivers. The family is grateful to doctors, Michelle Boyce and to Janie’s many caregivers.

Survivors include daughter Jacquelyn Sanderson and husband Mark of Artesia, daughter Michelle McPherson of Artesia, son Larry McPherson & wife Susan of Lubbock, TX, daughter Teri Tullos and husband George of San Angelo, TX, sister Mona Grant of Mexico, brother David of Frederick, OK and brother Jimmy and wife Esther of Hamilton, TX. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Janie was preceded in death by her husband, Jack O. McPherson and a son, Jack Dean McPherson, sister, Eula Mae (Smitty) Chandler, brothers Fred L. Smith, Eugene Smith, Orville Don Smith, Lloyd Oliver Smith and Billie Achilies Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Remodel Fund, PO Box 322 W Grand Ave, Artesia, NM 88210-2475