Janice Abercrombie
Feb 08, 2039 – Apr 04, 2011
Janice Byrd Luck Abercrombie, 72, of Mineral died Monday, April 4th, 2011 at the Hospice of VA at the Retreat Hospital in Louisa after unexpected complications from surgery and a stroke.
Janice was born February 8th, 1939 at the Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville to Bennie Edward Luck and Muriel Amanda Runnett Luck. She married Thomas Raymond Abercrombie on August 16th, 1958. Janice was an accomplished artist, historian, author and professional genealogist. She was a member of the Louisa County Historical Society, served as president and magazine editor. She served as Governor at Large of the Virginia Genealogical Society. She transcribed many historical documents such as the Free Black Register, the cohabitation list, put together from the Freedmans list, the series of public claims of the civil war and more. Janice was a member of the Friends of the Virginia State Archives and served on its Board. One of her great contributions to Louisa County history was her effort to encourage the care and preservation of Louisa County Court records. She fully recognized the importance of these records, personally organized many, and strived to make those public officials responsible for them see the importance of preserving these treasures. She was currently serving on the Louisa County Historical Magazine Editorial Committee. Janice allowed her artwork to be used without royalty for the Mineral Town Seal. She also granted permission to use her painting of the Mineral Depot, a landmark in the Town of Mineral, as the design for a mural, now demonstrated on a wall at the Mineral Farmers Market. Prints of the same painting were donated and sold to generate the monies to pay for the mural.
Janice generously shared her knowledge of Louisa County history, its records, and genealogical methodology. She worked with Libraries across Virginia and conducted many seminars on a variety of historical subjects. Janice helped to establish the local League of Women Voters and served on the Town of Mineral Planning Commission. She worked most recently with the African American Genealogical Society and was a member of the Red Hat Society Scarlett O’Hattas.
Her daughter, Erin Dawn A. Ryan of Fairfax Station; her son-in-law, James T. Ryan; her two precious grandsons, Thomas A. Ryan and Patrick J. Ryan survives Janice. Her dear brother, Bennie Edward Luck, Jr. and his wife, Joy F. Luck of San Francisco, CA; and her sister Carolyn L. Beard of Glen Allen also survive her. Her aunt, Dorothy Luck Thruston also survives Janice. In addition, Janice leaves many very beloved cousins, nieces, nephews; her brother in law, Steve Frick and his wife Donna Frick of Arkansas and sister-in-law, Alice Dale A. Childers and her husband John Childers of Illinois. Janice adored and enjoyed her neighbors and the numerous friends she made and cherished through the years.
Her dear husband Thomas R. Abercrombie predeceased Janice in July 2000 from Leukemia.
A formal memorial service will be held in early June 2011, at her home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations please are made in Janice L. Abercrombie’s honor to either Hospice of Virginia, 7231 Forest Ave, Suite 100, Louisa VA 23226; or the Mineral Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1777, Mineral VA 23117.
I don’t have the words to express my sadness in learning of Janice’s death. I first met her a number of years ago when we served on the board of the Virginia Genealogical Society. In later years I would much enjoy seeing her at the Society’s Conferences. Occasionally, we would skip a lecture to take a walk and “visit”. Her contribution to the genealogical world can not be over stated, and as said in her obituary she generously shared her knowledge with others. Ironically, unaware of her death, I had sent her an email expressing my appreciation for her extensive response for some information that she had recently provided me.Janice was a lady in the truest sense and a very, very nice person. I will miss her bright eyes and her wonderfully warm smile.
Dear Abercrombie FamilyI believe Janice must be the best thought of person to have not met so many of us. She has touched so many of our lives with her genealogical research and always so helpful. The one time she asked me for help, I was willing but the info didn`t pan out. I felt so inadequate, as she had shared so much with me. She will be so missed and I pray she has now found all the answers to brick walls that she could not get over.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Janice Byrd. She was truly a remarkable lady. Her faithful transcription and donation of thousands of Louisa County Deed and Will abstracts was a major gift to all who search online for their Louisa roots…and to all who will do so in future years. That body of work alone makes a lovely and lasting memorial to who Janice Byrd was.
I am saddened to learn of Janice`s passing. She was a wonderful and talented lady and a terrific artist. She was also a wonderful friend to my father and mother, Peyton & Manning Noel. We will miss her but she will live on with us in our fond memories.
our hearts go out to family and friends. Janice will be missed by the entire community.
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the death of Janice.When we moved to Louisa County 30 years and were making changes to our 1950`s era home, namely the kitchen, I wanted to incorporate pineapple decor. Janice was referred to us as an artist with many talents. We visited her home and she made a one-of-a-kind Tiffany style pineapple hanging lamp for above our country kitchen table. We love and cherish it to this day, and will always remember Janice`s joy in fashioning it for us. She also told us that this pineapple lamp was only made for us and one for her dear Mother. We wanted to share this story with her beloved family.Sincerely,Pattie and Gary Shanks
A tremendous loss to the world of Genealogy and grateful researchers of Virginia history.
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