Ms. Janice Denise Bartley

JANICE DENISE BARTLEY, 56, peacefully gained her wings on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at home, surrounded by love. A tireless advocate for disability rights, Janice dedicated her life to fighting for equity, inclusion, and dignity for all.

Born on January 9, 1969, in the Bronx, NY, Janice was the beloved daughter of the late Willie Earl Bartley, Sr. and Beatrice Bartley. Born with cerebral palsy, the doctors predicted she wouldn’t make it. They were wrong. She graduated from Harry S. Truman High School in 1989 and pursued higher education at LaGuardia Community College and Lehman College.

Janice began her career at AHRC New York City as an intern in 2007, working in the Department of Individualized Supports. There, she passionately supported tenants in accessing housing subsidies and essential city and state services, helping them live independently within their communities. Her passion and dedication earned her a permanent role at AHRC NYC’s Organizational and Employee Development Department in 2009, where she continued to serve with compassion and vision.

Janice was gifted. She didn’t let disability stop her from becoming a storyteller. A graduate of the MothSHOP Community Education Program and the Art of Storytelling, she captivated audiences with her honesty and humor. She originally performed her story on “The Italian Stallion” at the Nuyorican Poets Café in 2009 and proudly brought it back to the stage in honor of The Moth’s 20th Anniversary.

As a public speaker for the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Janice became a powerful voice for people with disabilities, particularly around their rights to love and form meaningful, intimate relationships. She asked tough questions—like why marriage often led to the loss of benefits for people with disabilities—and she never stopped advocating for change. Her influence reached academic and national platforms. Janice spoke at numerous universities and conferences across New York, including NYU, the CUNY Graduate Center, and Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. She was also a proud AmeriCorps alumna.

Faith was a cornerstone of Janice’s life. She was raised at Missionary Baptist Church and later became a devoted member of Galilean Deliverance Temple under the leadership of Bishop Darrell McFadden, Sr., and Overseer Lisa McFadden. She also served faithfully with the Sisters of Love Ministry, touching many hearts along the way.

In 2010, Janice met the love of her life, Chshone “BooBaby” Bailey. The two were inseparable. Their bond was not only built on mutual love, but on shared faith, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to each other. They traveled together, worshipped together, and stood as living proof that love knows no limits. Chshone was by Janice’s side when she transitioned.

Janice was preceded in death by her father, Willie Earl Bartley, Sr. and her brother, Willie Earl Bartley, Jr.

She leaves to cherish fond memories her mother Beatrice Bartley, loving siblings Nathaniel Bartley (Linda), Lisa McFadden (Darrell), and Cassie Bartley. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles Sara Bartley, Leon Bartley, Cassie Cobbs (Benny), John Porterfield (Alberta), Dolly Fields, Rev. Aleatha Black, Kenneth Porterfield (Sonya), Bishop Franklin Porterfield (Geraldine), Dr. Sherman Porterfield (Annette), and Theresa Porterfield. A beloved aunt to Shaquana Bartley, Sherell Lee, William Lambacker, Nathaniel Bartley Jr., Darrell McFadden Jr. (Hadassah), Marquis McFadden, Rondell Bartley (Genesis), Linnae Bartley, Tyrell McFadden, Darnell Owens, Myriah Bartley,Ny’Jarelle McFadden, Jaden Bartley, Jayla Bartley and Omari Welcome. 19 Grand nieces and nephews and 1 great grandnephew. She also leaves behind her beloved best friend Erica Beasley, her Goddaughters, Elizabeth Porterfield and Mya Flowers. A very special thanks to Matt and Jennifer and the entire AHRC Family. Janice lived a life of purpose, truth, and love.

Janice leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, courage, persistence and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

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