Janice "Jan" Faye (Cochran) Scott, 76, of Franklin, IN passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the Indiana Masonic Home at Compass Park in Franklin, IN.  She was born August 15, 1949 in Lonoke, Arkansas to Homer and Geraldine (Roe) Cochran.

Jan lived a life defined by service, creativity, and unwavering love for her family and community.  Throughout her life, she held several administrative roles, including church secretary, working in a long-term care facility, assistant to the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana WMU (Women's Missionary Union) director, and a position at IUPUI.  No matter where she served, Jan remained deeply committed to her faith, always involved in her local church's children's ministries and in coordinating women's events.

She also participated in mission trips to Taiwan and Rio de Janeiro, reflecting her lifelong dedication to sharing God's love.  While raising her children, Jan was fully present in every aspect of their lives.  She was the ultimate softball mom—never without bubble gum, water, and wet towels to keep everyone cool.  Her enthusiasm was unforgettable; at one tournament, her spirited use of a cowbell nearly got her kicked out.

Jan made childhood magical.  Each summer, she would save to take her children and a friend to Kings Island, packing lunches for picnics in the parking lot.  Similar outings included trips to the Indianapolis Zoo and the Children's Museum, always accompanied by her thoughtful preparations.
An avid and gifted crafter, Jan could create almost anything.  Long before online marketplaces existed, she sold her handmade goods locally and across state lines.  She sewed clothing and dolls—both small and life-sized—and paid close attention to detail.  When her daughter Amy was teased for not wearing name-brand clothes, Jan lovingly recreated similar designs by hand, complete with finished seams and tags, transforming criticism into admiration.

Her talents extended to floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, centerpieces, straw wreaths, ceramics, and more.  She crafted and painted beautiful ceramic churches, Christmas trees, villages, and more.  She also baked and sold apple pies and canned goods from her abundant garden—all to ensure her family had joyful Christmases.  Along the way, she passed these invaluable skills on to her children.

After retiring, Jan and Scotty served as missionaries in Santarém, Pará, Brazil from 1995–1996 and again from 2001–2011. There, Jan's vibrant personality and striking blue eyes drew children to her wherever she went.   She and Scotty opened their home to neighbors during frequent water shortages, sharing from their well and offering fruit from their trees.  Jan lived out her faith daily, trusting that God would always provide—and He did.

Their ministry extended to providing transportation for those in need, whether to hospitals, doctor appointments, or grocery stores.  Jan also assisted with basic healthcare needs, often helping families obtain essential medical supplies required for hospital care.  Jan was deeply involved in prison ministry, where she and other women shared the message of Jesus and taught incarcerated women how to sew.  With machines and materials provided by donations made to Jan and Scotty's ministry, these women learned valuable skills, creating clothing for personal use or sale—earning money they could take with them upon release.

One of Jan's greatest joys was participating in Amazon and Tapajós River ministry trips.  She helped host groups from the United States as they traveled to remote villages, leading Bible studies, distributing food, clothing, and Bibles, and connecting with communities.  Each visit often ended with a friendly soccer match between the village and visiting teams—a perfect reflection of Jan's joyful spirit.

Jan's warmth, generosity, and faith allowed her to form meaningful connections wherever she went. She never turned away anyone in need, embodying compassion in its truest form.

Annette and Amy would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their dad, Jan's former husband, Paul "Scotty" Scott, and his wife, Susan Scott, of Franklin, Indiana.  Your unwavering love, kindness, and support throughout Mom's illness and passing meant more than words can express.  Your compassion and presence brought comfort and strength during a very difficult time. They would also like to acknowledge their "village."  Your love, encouragement, prayers, patience, and generosity carried them through more than you know.  Please know how deeply grateful they are—each of you holds a special place in their hearts.

Jan's legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the skills she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

She was preceded in death by her parents Homer and Geraldine (Roe) Cochran, a sister Nancy Carolyn Cochran and a niece Kimberly Fair-Bereman.

She is survived by her daughters Annette Scott partner Hubert "Jim" Ball of Franklin, IN  and Amy Scott-Hollis of Franklin, IN, her Brazilian son Juniclei "Junior" Miranda wife Graciela of Avon, IN, her honorary daughter Tara Becraft of Franklin, IN, her sister Susan (Cochran) Fair husband Tim of Lakeland, FL, a grandson William "Jody" Hollis wife Chelsey of Bargersville, IN, her granddaughters Izabella Rios, Joelle, Jiulianna, and Jianina Miranda, her nephews Brandon Fair, wife Alysha of Lakeland, FL and  Kevin Fair, wife Lisa of Lakeland, FL
her great-nephews Parker and Braydon Fair.

A celebration of life memorial service will be conducted on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 7PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary/obituary/janicescott.com.  Friends may call Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 5PM until service time at the mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Jan's favorite organizations:

Amazon Ministry led by Junior Miranda
www.woodruffplacebaptist.org/about/give/
Fund: Amazon Mission Trip.

Checks can be made out to:
Woodruff Place Baptist Church
Fund: Amazon Mission Trip
1739 E Michigan St
Indianapolis, IN 46201

A Senior Retreat- Franklin
www.aseniorretreat.com/donate/
Note: Janice Scott

Checks can be made out to:
A Senior Retreat Senior Services Inc.
Re: Janice Scott
609 S Lincoln St
Martinsville, IN 46151