Janet Thompson Hoffman, former president of Woman’s Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention, died June 15. She was 90. She was born July 12, 1935, in Tulsa, Okla., to James Scott Thompson and Mildred Siler Thompson. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1956 and later completed a master’s degree in Christian education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993. Before her years of denominational leadership, she taught English, speech, and Spanish in Texas secondary schools. In 1954, she married Harvey W. Hoffman Jr. Together, they served Southern Baptist churches in Texas and Louisiana during his pastoral ministry. They were married 63 years. Hoffman served in numerous leadership roles in local Baptist associations, state conventions, and Woman’s Missionary Union organizations in Texas and Louisiana. She served on the boards of WMU of Texas and Louisiana WMU before her election to national leadership. From 1996 to 2000, Hoffman served as recording secretary of WMU, SBC. She then served as president of WMU, SBC from 2000 to 2005, helping guide the organization during a period of significant transition and ministry development. She worked alongside Wanda Lee, who served as WMU president before becoming executive director-treasurer. Hoffman was an author and speaker who encouraged churches to engage in missions and emphasized prayer, discipleship, and the Great Commission. Her books included Christ Light: Reflecting the Image of Christ in the Real World, published by WMU in 2004. She is survived by her daughter, Shelda Hoffman Reeves and her husband Dennis of Bullard; sons Bill Hoffman and his wife Terri of St. Joe, Ark., and Jeffrey Hoffman and his wife Angela of Hornbeck, La.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and other family members. A funeral service will be held June 18 at Evergreen Baptist Church in Bernice, La. Memorial gifts may be made to the Wanda Lee Joy Fund through WMU Foundation.
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