Janice Lee "Jan" Massi

Janice ‘Jan’ Lee (Minnick) Massi began her earthly journey from God to God on February 27, 1933, with snow falling around St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. She completed her journey surrounded by her family in her home in Oklahoma City, February 6th, 2023.

When she was four, she moved to Wichita, KS with her parents, Homer and Lucille Minnick. She became the 5th generation of eight traceable generations of Campbellites in the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ). Wichita was her home through graduation from East High School in 1951. During her childhood she was a Girl Scout and a member of a girls singing group-“The Swells”. During high school, she was a member of the synchronized swim team, and member of Hillside Christian Church. She attended TCU where she graduated with a BA in Christian Education and a minor in Elementary Education in 1955.

Following her marriage to Joe Massi in 1955, they together, became a ministry team which would span the next 43 years. Jan taught first grade in the Birdville School District during the three years Joe was in seminary at Brite Bible College at TCU and was student minister at Biardstown Christian Church near Paris, TX. Their first full time ministry was at First Christian Church in Laredo, TX. Daughters – JoCarolyn and Cynthia Lee were both born there. Life-long friendships were forged with water-skiing followed by eating fried shrimp and onion-rings at midnight and playing ‘42’ after youth group meetings.

In 1962, the week of the Cuban Bay of Pigs Invasion; Jan and Joe accepted the call to return to Wichita where Joe was Associate Minister at Hillside Christian Church. They then discovered that their new home was two blocks away from the fence surrounding Boeing and the McConnell Air Force Base, a Cuban missile target. During their ministry from 1962-1970, Jan became a Girl Scout Leader and directed and produced six-week summer youth Broadway dramas working with 100-120 junior and high school youth.

In 1970, they accepted the call to Lakewood Christian Church in Lakewood Colorado (a suburb of Denver). During the next 28 ½ years at LCC, Jan introduced and organized the ‘Dinner for Eight’ program, hosted congregational wide Christmas open houses and directed several youth and adult dramas as well as organized Art Fairs and sang in the choir. She was an Elder and wrote a weekly column - ‘The Last Word’ for the church newsletter.

Jan also worked during this time at Arvada West High School as a Library Assistant and then became a product demonstrator in grocery stores. Jan and Joe’s love of Maltese puppies and other dogs helped make up for the loneliness of the “empty nest” and these dogs over the years became very spoiled… rotten.

After Jan and Joe retired from the full-time ministry December 31, 1998, they enjoyed multiple family visits, significant grandchildren’s experiences, motor home travel, and numerous adventures including Alaska, Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Caribbean and European River Cruises.

Seven years ago- Jan and Joe left their Colorado home of 49 years and returned to Oklahoma City to be closer to family and make new friends. They maintained their church membership at Lakewood Christian- but also joined New Hope Christian Church- retaining dual membership.

Jan is survived by her husband of 68 years – Joe; their two daughters: JoCarolyn and Rev. Steve Chambers of OKC, and Rev. Cynthia Myers of Lake Jackson, Texas.

Five grandchildren who are their Nanie’s delight and pride: Shannon (Chambers) Barker and husband Bryce Barker of Arkansas City, Kansas; Meaghan (Cohrs) and husband Sam Fuentes of Houston, Texas; Jenna Carroll Chambers; Joey Cohrs and wife Michelle of Midland, Texas; and Rev. Gregory Chambers and wife Kathryn of Marion, Iowa.

Loved dearly and bringing immense happiness are her ten great-grandchildren - Joshua Cohrs, Isabella (Bella) Cohrs, Benjamin Barker, Sammy Cohrs-Fuentes, Zachary Barker, Clinton Cohrs, Elijah Cohrs-Fuentes, Delaney Chambers, Maren Cohrs, and Charlotte Cohrs-Fuentes.

Greeting her with open arms and great unimaginable joy this past week were her granddaughter Jenna, great-granddaughter Delaney Jenna, son-in-love Bruce Myers and a whole host of individuals she loved dearly and who deeply love her.

Deo Gratias- Thanks be to God.

Celebration Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the New Hope Christian Church (12323 South Penn, Oklahoma City). Those wanting join service live stream may do so at www.nhccokc.com

Committal services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at Tannehill Cemetery, northwest of Arkansas City, Kansas, on 31st Road, just north of 222nd Road.

A memorial has been established with Joe and Jan Massi Edowment Fund at Brite Divinity School of Texas Christian University, or The Delaney Jenna Chambers Permanent Fund with Christian Church Foundation. Contributions may be mailed to New Hope Christian Church 12323 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73170.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net