Vernice Konvicka Janis

Vernice Konvicka Janis, 93, passed away peacefully at home after a heroic yearlong battle with a blood disease. Vernice spent her early years in Moravia, Texas, helping on the family farm with her parents, Jim and Veronika “Vera” Konvicka. She was the fifth of six siblings. She attended a small school in Moravia, where she and her classmates were often scolded for speaking Czech—her primary language at home—instead of English. After graduating from high school in Schulenburg, Vernice earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Southwest State Teachers College (now Texas State University) in San Marcos. In 1954, she accepted a high school teaching position in East Bernard. It was there that two sisters introduced her to their brother, Norbert Janis, who was home on Army leave. Vernice and Norbert married in 1955, sharing 60 wonderful years together and raising five children. While balancing her roles as a farmer’s wife, teacher, and mother, Vernice pursued and earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Prairie View A&M University. She had a deep passion for teaching young children, even starting a private kindergarten out of her home. Later, while teaching in the East Bernard Independent School District, she was delighted to have the children and grandchildren of her former students in her classes. Vernice retired after 31 years of teaching but continued as a substitute teacher well into her 80s. Vernice found great joy in caring for and entertaining her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, who were always coming and going from her home. Whether fishing, feeding cows, or taking them to the casinos for their 21st birthdays, she made every moment special. She loved her many trips to the Louisiana casinos over the years and was known for her good fortune and enthusiasm for the games. Continuing Norbert’s legacy, Vernice remained active in farming and cattle raising. She had a love for fresh flowers and cultivated a wide variety of houseplants. She was also widely known for her famous rosettes, which she generously donated to organizations for auctions and gifted to countless friends and family members. Vernice also loved hosting large Easter and Christmas gatherings at her home, bringing together her extended family for joyful celebrations filled with laughter and love. Vernice was blessed with five children: Debbie (Mike) Nelson of St. Augustine, Florida; Wanda Janis of Sugar Land; Tish Babin of East Bernard; NJ (Wendy) Janis of Brenham; and Kay Kay (Charlie) Davis of Huntsville. She cherished her ten grandchildren and found immense joy in her twelve great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; her brother, Jimmie Konvicka and wife Benni of Stephenville; her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norbert Janis, her parents, her brother Henry Konvicka, and sisters Rita Broz, Grace Konvicka, and Marjorie McCaslin.

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Vernice Konvicka Janis

December 30, 1931 - October 25, 2025