Janice Lynn "Jan" Cloud

Janice Lynn Cloud, age 68, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016, in Ocean Springs. Born in Marion, Virginia, Jan has called Biloxi her home since 1977.
Jan was proceeded in death by her parents, Bernard and Mary Elsie Arnold; Uncle Roy and Aunt Margaret Lambert; and brother-in-law, William ""Bill"" Cloud.
She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Roy Cloud; her son, Brandon and his wife Emily Cloud; and her grandson's, Colin, Aidan and Nathan.
She adored her horses and regularly shared fond memories of living in the mountains of Colorado while Roy was stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1980 Jan found a new purpose in helping others. She became a tireless advocate for the disabled community in South Mississippi. She served on the various boards and committees in an effort to help make others suffering from disabilities life easier. She was the president of the South MS Society, President of Biloxi Mayor's Awareness Committee, served as part of its ADA advisory team. She was a board member of the MS Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities. She was the founding board member of ""Living Independence for Everyone"" (LIFE), helping write the grant and establish LIFE policies and procedures, serving since it began in 1993, as well as holding the office of Board Chairperson for two terms. She was part of LIFE local Advisory Board. Jan was appointed by four Governors' to the ""Statewide Independent Living Council"" (SILC), where she served for over 20 years overseeing the independent living programs throughout the state. She was elected president of SILC, served on the Governor's Council on Independent Living. She had been recognized and honored with the following awards: Biloxi Mayor's Awareness Committee, Volunteer of the Year, MS Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, Meritorious Service Award 1998 and Advocate of the Year 1994.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Jan to: LIFE of MS, Attn: Augusta, 1304 Vine St., Jackson, MS 39202.
Celebration of Life Service will be held, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at 1:00 PM, with visitation from Noon until service time, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Boulevard, at the corner of Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, with a reception immediately following.
An online obituary can be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.