Elma Givens

Elma Janene Givens, 84, of Cape Girardeau, peacefully entered the gates of Heaven, surrounded by family, Thursday, July 9, 2020, at Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Oct. 6, 1935, in Crump, daughter of Omer and Ora Crump Wampler. Janene married Jack Givens on May 6, 1956. Their union of marriage was 51 years when he passed away May 13, 2007. She later married Norman Niswonger, and he passed away Jan 24, 2015.

Janene was a charter member of Bethel Assembly of God Church in Cape Girardeau. She loved God and His word with all her heart and lived that example in front of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to play the piano and was the church organist for many years. Janene loved to travel, sew, had a passion for plants and enjoyed growing them, was exceptionally good at pulling pranks on Jack, and she was the "Yard Sale Queen." She never met a stranger.

Loving survivors include a son, Dr. Mike (Tammy) Givens, and daughter, Tara (Chance) Petiniot, both of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Jodee (Dr. Paul) Dupuis of Jefferson City, Missouri; brother, Wayne Wampler of Sherman, Texas; sister, Janice McClard of Cape Girardeau; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two husbands; a daughter, Cindy Rutledge; two brothers; five sisters; and two grandchildren.

To honor Janene, the family has elected not to have a memorial visitation or service at this time. They will hold a celebration of life gathering to honor and share memories of Janene, and it will be announced later.

McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson has been entrusted with the final care of Janene.

To sign the online guest book or to send an online condolences to the family, visit www.mccombsfuneralhome.com; then click on the "tribute wall" tab of Janene's personal obituary.

Memorials to the family are appreciated. Online contributions to the family to assist with final arrangements can be made by clicking on the "donations" button.

Traditional gifts, cards and contributions may be sent to the family at McCombs Funeral Home Inc. c/o Janene Givens, 640 W. Independence St., Jackson, MO 63755.