Janice Gaye Nicholson

She was born Thursday, June 10, 1954 in Utah and was the wife of the late, Darrell Wayne “Nick” Nicholson, who passed away on February 22, 2015.

Janice grew up as a military dependent and lived many places throughout the world from Alaska to Africa. She came to California in 1972 to attend California Baptist University.

Janice was a caregiver for 30 years, mostly working with hospice patients. She was also a motorcycle/car insurance agent and was certified to sell insurance in all 50 states, which was quite an impressive feat.

She raised her two children, daughter, April and son, Dustin, and was referred to as the “cool mom.” When April was in high school, Janice would help her dye her hair all different colors, which most mothers wouldn’t allow at that time. Janice loved animals and her household included at times a dog, kitties and pot-bellied pig.

She loved sewing for her family and friends. She would make clothes, costumes, quilts, whatever someone needed. She also enjoyed baking and she had a beautiful voice and was once a singer in a country band. She also had a passion and exceptional talent for writing.

Janice was a very loving, caring person, and when you met her you might think she was ordinary, but to the people who knew her she was extraordinary. She was personable, sassy, fun, and was extremely witty and very intelligent. She made a strong impression on everyone she met.

Janice always said that life has hairpin turns and she met any adversity with resilience. She bounced back from any obstacles she encountered and was always open to new possibilities.

She was deeply spiritual, faith was very important to her. Janice was very active in her church and was the church custodian until a few months ago.

Surviving are daughter, April Pendergraft, son, Dustin Pendergraft, father, Dr. E. Neal Gipson, brother, Glenn Gipson, sisters, Joan Mavima and Claudia Gipson, brother, Eric (Shari) Gipson and numerous nieces and nephews.