Janice Scott Dickenson

Born in Florence, SC, on August 8, 1937, to Russell and Alma Lee Scott, Janice treasured the close bond she shared with her sisters, Lynda Scott Phillips (Jay) and the late Sharon Scott DeWitt (Theron).

Janice was the epitome of a true Southern lady. She thrived on social engagement, effortlessly making close friendships in every chapter of her life. She loved hostessing in her beautifully decorated homes, serving her delicious Southern cooking and exploring new interests, including her later passion for flower arranging. Her smile was genuine and automatic, reflecting her deep interest in everyone she met.

For 40 wonderful years, Janice shared an incredible marriage with her beloved husband, James F. Dickenson, raising a blended family that always came first. From her early years in Athens—where Janice worked for UGA Dean Lamar Dodd—to their new beginnings in Clinton, SC, and Jim's career move to Decatur, GA, Janice was always a dedicated professional, notably serving as assistant to the CEO at Wesley Woods.

Upon retirement in 1993, Janice and Jim moved to Greenville, SC. For 28 vibrant years, they immersed themselves in their community, traveling often and volunteering tirelessly. Janice was especially dedicated to First Presbyterian Greenville and the Greenville Symphony Guild.

Janice went to great lengths to plan, bake, and decorate for countless family gatherings, creating cherished memories for the growing Dickenson clan. After Jim’s passing in 2015, she showed remarkable resilience, eventually moving to Athens in 2021 to be near family. Even in her final years at Presbyterian Village, she quickly found her footing, joining committees, enjoying her "single ladies" lunch group, and, of course, seeking out her favorite shopping destinations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Dickenson; her parents; her infant daughter, Lisa Smith; and her sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Theron DeWitt.

Janice’s memory will be forever cherished by her sister, Lynda Phillips (Jay), her children, Debbie Gray (Barry), Lee Dickenson (Shawna), Kirk Smith (Jayne), and Angie Cain (Lee); her grandchildren, Matt Gray, Zach Gray, Andy Gray, Meghan Lindquist (Brett), Katie Kosmann (Jason), Meredith Burford (Brett), and Graham Cain; her great-grandchildren, Spencer and Mallory Lindquist, Savannah and Callie Brooke Kosmann, Ezra, Gwinnie, and Shepherd Burford, her nephews, Michael DeWitt (Mary Anne), David DeWitt (Emery), and niece Amy Rosenthal (James).

A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Village Chapel, 1400 Live Oak Lane, Athens, Georgia, on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow (PVA location to be announced).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to alkpositive.org, the lung cancer organization fighting the disease for which Kirk is being treated. Donations can be made online, or mailed to P.O. Box 24960, New York, NY 10087-4960.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.