Janet Thompson Hoffman, who served as president of national Woman’s Missionary Union from 2000 to 2005, died June 15 at the age of 90. She was born July 12, 1935, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and trusted Jesus as Savior at age 11 — a faith she never departed from.
Hoffman walked beside her late husband, Harvey W. Hoffman Jr., for 63 years with grace and unwavering commitment as he served as pastor of 10 Southern Baptist churches in Texas and Louisiana. She raised three children and created a home where, as those who knew her described it, faith was not merely taught — it was lived.
Her service to WMU spanned decades and multiple levels of the organization. She served on the boards of both WMU of Texas and Louisiana WMU, and her tenure on the executive board of national WMU coincided with that of Wanda Lee, executive director emerita and president emerita of national WMU. From 1996 to 2000, Hoffman served as recording secretary while Lee served as president. From 2000 to 2005, Hoffman served as president while Lee served as executive director-treasurer.
“Janet’s profound wisdom and grace were instrumental during many years of great change as she led with passion and a steadfast commitment to engaging the church in missions,” Lee said. “Hers is a life truly well-lived, a life that reflected a love for the Lord and for others.”
Hoffman inspired Christ followers to live missionally, challenged churches to prioritize the Great Commission and helped shape strategic conversations about the future of WMU ministry. She was known for investing in people regardless of their position or platform.
“Janet interacted with everyone without regard to position, prestige or platform,” said Sandy Wisdom-Martin, current executive director-treasurer of national WMU. “She had a gift for finding the one in need of her encouragement.”
Hoffman also authored several articles and books, including ChristLight: Reflecting the Image of Christ in the Real World, published by WMU in 2004.
She is survived by three children and their spouses, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Wanda Lee Joy Fund, c/o WMU Foundation, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242.
Note: A fuller version of the article can be viewed at The Baptist Paper.