Janice Jo Merritt Ankeny Draper

With hearts full of love and cherished memories, we announce the passing of the beautiful, exuberant and hilarious Janice Jo Merritt Ankeny Draper, 87, of Merritt Island, FL. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Born September 20, 1936, in Fort Pierce, FL, Janice was the daughter of Sherman and Margaret Elizabeth Martin Merritt. The third of eight children, she was the most mischievous of the bunch and never met an adventure she didn’t love. Voted class clown in high school, she was not only whip-smart funny, but excelled academically, securing a full scholarship to Florida State University. A deep devotion to family ultimately led her to decline the offer and remain in Fort Pierce to help raise her younger siblings.

It was in Fort Pierce she met Barry Ankeny, whom she married in 1955. Together, they had two children, David and Lisa. A devoted, caring and loving mother, Janice’s children were her absolute pride and joy. In 1972, she married Val Draper Jr. and embraced his three children – Val, Matt and Danielle – creating a blended family of seven overnight.

Among many interests, Janice and Val enjoyed bowling, traveling and spending time outdoors – to include living on Lake Monroe so they could see the water every day from their living room. She loved boating, fishing and relaxing at their beloved cabin in Burnsville, North Carolina, which they aptly named Quiet Creek.

A natural comedian and practical joker, Janice had an incredible laugh and the ability to make people crack up – often at the most unexpected moments and on occasion at the most inappropriate times! Her chicken salad was famous, her smile contagious, and with her warmth, compassion and down-to-earth, genuine nature, she instantly became everyone’s “mom,” making them feel as welcome as if she’d known them for years.

More than anything, Janice’s greatest joy was her family, whom she loved fiercely. Her second love was boating – her true happy place. Put a fishing pole in her hand and she was in her element! A lifelong animal lover, she especially loved her dachsunds and was an ardent supporter of animal rescue organizations.

A devoted Christian, Janice enjoyed religious music and church services. She was also a proud member of her neighborhood ladies’ group "Secret Pals," and looked forward to their monthly luncheons, companionship and friendship. She was a fan of puzzles, music of all kinds, and enjoyed TV comedies, dramas and her guilty pleasure of Lifetime movies. A fierce Scrabble opponent, she was a master at word jumbles and an avid reader, often devouring several books a week. Her passion, drive, stories, wit, embracing hugs, and her occasional slip of a perfectly timed curse word or two from such an otherwise ladylike mouth will be deeply missed by all blessed enough to know her, and will continue to provide laughs and fodder for her loving family.

Remaining to cherish Janice’s memory are her adoring children Lisa Gail Hill (Rich), Val Draper (Julie), Matthew Draper (Rita) and Danielle Draper; grandchildren Sarah Ankeny Callahan (Brendan), Brian Ankeny (Raisa), Megan Jeffers Serra (Brian), Taylor Jeffers (Ely), Kelly Challberg (Matt), Melissa Valentine (Jordan), Mary Alexander, Ricky Draper (Hailey), Nicole Draper; great-grandchildren Jake, Henry, Matthew, David, Lucas, Tyler, Tanner, Tayton, Atlas, Cooper, Jonny, Beau, Carter, Weslie, Parker, Calvin, Blake, Beckham and another baby boy on the way; and sisters Charlene and Cathy, among several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Janice in death are her spouses, Barry Ankeny and Val Draper, Jr., her beloved son, David Gregory Ankeny, and her brothers.

Funeral/Memorial services will be held March 5, 2025, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home at 501 East Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo, FL. Gathering time is 11:00 a.m. with a service starting at noon and a reception immediately following. Following the reception, the internment will be held at the Oviedo Cemetery, 15 West Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL.