Obituary of Judge Janice Noland

Judge Janice Noland, 91 

The Honorable Janice Mae Noland, aged 91, passed peacefully on July 14, 2017.  She was born September 10, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri to Dr. Walter and Clara Pueser,  and had one sister, Joyce Hayes. 

Her legacy is indisputable, as she had practiced law for over sixty-five years, taking her   father’s advice to be the attorney and not the secretary. An overachiever, she graduated from Washington University School of Law at the age of 20, when women comprised a mere 2% of attorneys. Because she was such a pioneer in the legal profession, she was featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine when she was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. She was also invited to tea at Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth II. Her pursuit of justice inspired all three of her daughters to follow in her footsteps.

While working as a bill drafter for the Missouri Legislature, she met and married her husband James Noland, Jr. As a young State Representative, he was so struck by her beauty, he ran right into the door jamb of her office. They were married in the Rotunda of the Missouri Capitol on March 26, 1958. The two left Jefferson City for Camden County, where they built their lives and reared their family, and where she would practice law, become the first City Attorney for Osage Beach, and serve as Camden County Associate Circuit Judge.

In addition to being an attorney and judge, she had a passion for politics and was a lifelong member of the Republican Party, chairing the 4th District Republican Women, and serving as the National Committeewoman for the Missouri Republican Assemblies. She was a prolific writer who published a book for West Publishing on statutory construction and her most recent book, Seeing Justice, gives a glimpse into her legal career. In the sight of her friends and family, she was a beloved matriarch.

Most importantly, she defined herself, first and foremost, as a follower of Christ. Whenever asked how she was doing, she always replied "I am GOOD, not evil.” She was filled with wisdom and was always quoting the Word of God. Psalm 91 was one of her favorites, and her desire was to be like Enoch and walk with God.

She is survived by her husband, her three daughters, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. They all take comfort in the assurance that the Lord’s Promises in Psalm 91 were bestowed upon His faithful servant. The Lord satisfied her with a long life, and she is now experiencing the fullness of His salvation.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Hedges- Scott Funeral Home, 1270 South Highway 5, Camdenton, MO. The funeral will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Walk On Water Faith Church, 959 Old Park State Road, Osage Beach, MO, with a second service to be held at 12:00 p.m. at Hopewell Freewill Baptist Church, 2334 State Hwy. 73, Tunas, MO.

Interment will be at Hopewell Cemetery in Tunas, MO.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Gideons.