Janice Lorraine Wells Dobbs

On December 3, 2025, Janice Lorraine Dobbs passed away peacefully in Newport news, VA. She was born on September 7, 1944, in Isle of Wight County to Johnny and Emma Wells, who both preceded her in death.

Janice became a member of Mt Sinai Baptist Church when she was young. After relocating from Newark, New Jersey to Isle of Wight County, she renewed her commitment to both Christ and the church.

Throughout her time there, Janice remained deeply involved, serving as the church clerk until her health declined. Janice graduated from Westside High School in 1962. She worked as a Manager for TWA Airline Services and at Prudential Insurance Company in Newark, New Jersey, before retiring. She also owned Blue Swann Sports Bar in New Jersey, where she met her late husband, Authur Dobbs.

Janice had two sons, Authur and Timothy Dobbs, and was a resolute family member and friend.

Janice was predeceased by her son, Authur Dobbs; her brothers Joseph Johnson, Johnny, Pernell, and George Wells; her sister Julia Ann Vick-Gwynn; and her brother-in-law Ralph Gwynn.

Her cherished memories include her son, Timothy Dobbs of Windsor, VA; Sharene L. Brown daughter-in-law, grandchildren: Sharnita Lowery (Vincent) of Carrollton, VA, Shantae T. Bowens (Andre) of Newport News, VA, Timothy Brown (Darrenae) of Manassas, VA, Terell Brown of Hampton, VA, Tashaun Brown (Charmaine) of Richmond, VA, Shanell Staton (Donell) of Midlothian, VA, ShiAnna Brown of Yorktown, VA, Ta-Ron Brown (Isatu Mansaray) of Rockville, MD, Tyree Brown of Columbus, GA, Shanaya Brown of Las Vegas, NV, Tyler Dobbs of Antonio, TX and Tahliq Dobbs of Smithfield, Va; great-grandchildren: Shamar, Ahmar, Mason, Timothy Jr., Nyla, Milani, Peyton, Tashau II, Nova, Nori, Donell Jr., Jace, Ta-Ron and Carsen. She is also survived by one sibling, Michael Wells (Alsendia) of Smithfield, VA; one sister-in-law, Shirley Holloway of Smithfield, VA; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Janice’s infectious smile and warm hugs will always be remembered fondly.

On Thursday, December 11, 2025 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the Chapel. Please keep the Wells and Dobbs family in your prayers