Janice “Jan” Faye Franklin, IN Death Obituary: In Loving Memory Of Janice “Jan” Faye
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Janice “Jan” Faye (Cochran) Scott, 76, of Franklin, Indiana, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Indiana Masonic Home at Compass Park in Franklin. Born on August 15, 1949, in Lonoke, Arkansas, to Homer and Geraldine (Roe) Cochran, Jan lived a life filled with service, compassion, and creativity.
Jan was a woman of deep faith and an unwavering commitment to both her family and her community. Throughout her life, she held numerous administrative roles, including serving as a church secretary, working in a long-term care facility, assisting with the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana’s Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), and holding a position at IUPUI. However, her greatest role was always that of a servant—serving others in her church, her community, and across the globe.
Her commitment to sharing God’s love was evident through her involvement in numerous mission trips to Taiwan and Rio de Janeiro, where she embodied her faith through action. Even while raising her children, Jan was an active participant in their lives. As the ultimate softball mom, she was never without bubble gum, water, or wet towels to ensure everyone stayed cool. Her boundless enthusiasm was unforgettable; in fact, one of her spirited cowbell rings nearly got her kicked out of a tournament!
Jan’s creativity and hands-on approach to life were legendary. She made childhood magical for her children, saving up every summer to take them and a friend to Kings Island, packing homemade lunches for picnics in the parking lot. Jan’s efforts to create memories extended to trips to the Indianapolis Zoo, Children’s Museum, and countless other outings. Her love and dedication were in every thoughtful detail.
As an avid crafter, Jan could create almost anything, from clothing and dolls to beautiful floral arrangements, ceramic villages, and hand-painted Christmas trees. Before the days of online marketplaces, she sold her handcrafted items locally and across state lines. Her ability to turn everyday moments into treasured memories was a gift she shared generously. When her daughter Amy was teased for not wearing name-brand clothes, Jan lovingly recreated them by hand, transforming her daughter’s distress into admiration.
After retiring, Jan and her beloved husband, Scotty, served as missionaries in Santarém, Pará, Brazil, from 1995–1996 and again from 2001–2011. There, Jan’s kind spirit and vibrant personality made her a beloved figure among the children, who were drawn to her warm presence and striking blue eyes. She and Scotty opened their home to neighbors during water shortages, offering them both sustenance and hospitality.
Jan’s missionary work extended to providing transportation to those in need and assisting with basic healthcare needs, helping families obtain essential medical supplies for hospital care. She was deeply involved in prison ministry, where she taught incarcerated women how to sew, empowering them with skills to make clothing and earn money upon their release.
Her ministry also included Amazon and Tapajós River trips, where she helped lead Bible studies, distribute food, clothing, and Bibles, and form connections with remote communities. Each trip ended with friendly soccer matches, reflecting Jan’s joyful spirit and passion for bringing people together.
Jan’s life was characterized by generosity, compassion, and an infectious joy. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched. She never turned away from anyone in need and offered her love and help unconditionally. She embodied the essence of true compassion and made the world a better place through her presence.
Jan’s daughters, Annette and Amy, would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their father, Jan’s former husband, Paul “Scotty” Scott, and his wife, Susan Scott. Your unwavering love, kindness, and support throughout Mom’s illness and passing meant more than words can express. Your compassion brought comfort and strength during this difficult time.
The family would also like to acknowledge their “village” of friends and loved ones who have been a constant source of support, encouragement, prayers, patience, and generosity. Your presence has carried them through this journey, and for that, they are deeply grateful.
Jan is survived by her daughters, Annette and Amy; her grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends whose lives she enriched in ways too numerous to mention. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.
In the days ahead, her family will celebrate her life, her faith, and her endless love. Jan’s journey on earth may have ended, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all those she touched.