Janice Sangster Atwell

Janice Sangster Atwell, affectionately known as Jan, Nana, or Aunt Faye, went to be with the Lord on May 4, 2025, in Sanford, NC, at the age of 78. Born November 21, 1946, in Altha, FL, Janice was the cherished daughter of the late Martha Baggett and JD Sangster. She is once again reunited with her beloved husband, Thomas Atwell and brothers Jimmy, Bobby, and John Derek Sangster.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Janice is survived by her son, Tony Ross (Mariel) of Jacksonville, FL, her two daughters, Jeri Kleinert (John) of Sanford NC and Gina Ross (Duke), also of Sanford NC. She leaves behind her Grandchildren, Nicholas Kleinert (Katherine), Cheyenne Bryant, Stone Bryant, Isabella & Adrianna Ross and Savannah Bryant; as well as her sisters, Sherry Grover (Roxi) and Debbie Barfield; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She embraced her family with love, strength, and a sense of fun that marked her life.

Janice proudly served as a Regional Administrator for the State of Florida, but one of her proudest accomplishments was learning to drive a semi-truck, enjoying memorable rides across the country alongside her husband, Tommy. Janice, a loving and strong woman with a vibrant personality, was both firm and fun as a mother and passionately adored the time spent with her grandchildren. In her leisure, she was captivated by reality TV and collected lighthouses, striving to visit as many as possible - including bravely climbing the 178 steps at Tybee Lighthouse in Savannah, GA. Janice's unique sense of humor shone through with her unwavering determination to ensure her restaurant orders were just right or teaching them how to do their jobs. One of her favorite sayings was “BINGO!”

A service to honor Janice's life will take place at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel, Marianna, FL, 2 PM on Saturday, May 10, with Krista Abbott officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Sunny Hill Pentecostal Holiness Church, Altha, FL with James and Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. Her caring presence will be deeply missed, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her until we meet again.

The Broken Chain 

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. 

In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same."