Vaughnzelle Janik

On the morning of Friday, January 30, 2026, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, Vaughnzelle Janik, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was 88 years old and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family.

Vaughnzelle was born on January 12, 1938, in Alma, Georgia, to the late Claude W. and Grace J. Hayes Pittman. From an early age, she had a joyful spirit and a love for music, once proudly singing on the radio. She later devoted her career to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Houston Medical Center, where her compassion and kindness touched countless lives.

She was the devoted wife of Elwood Frank “Woody” Janik, Sr., proudly standing beside him as a military spouse for 56 loving years until his passing in 2011. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to enduring love—one marked by handwritten notes, treasured cards carefully saved, and a lifelong habit of reminding each other, in pen and ink, just how deeply they were loved.

A longtime member of Green Acres Baptist Church, Vaughnzelle found great joy in her Sunday School fellowship and her faith community. She embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity, whether hosting family pool parties, swimming, traveling—especially to the beach—or uncovering family history through her passion for genealogy. A meticulous archivist, she thoughtfully documented her life and family’s story, ensuring her memories would live on for generations to come.

Vaughnzelle also delighted in antique shopping and working in her yard, but her greatest joy was always time spent with her family—laughing, sharing stories, and creating memories that will forever be held close.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Waunelle Mackie and Dallas Pittman.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Elwood “Woody” Janik (Linda), Lance Janik, and Mark Janik, all of Warner Robins; her grandchildren, Jason Janik (Ashley) of Perry and Staci Janik (Lee) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; and her adored great-grandchildren, Lilyan, Aden, and Josiah Janik.

At the family’s request, all services will be private.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.