Janice Annette Gafford

On January 14, 2025, Janice Annette Gafford, of Pensacola, FL., at the age of 77, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and her beloved companion, "Tucker". she was born on October 3, 1947, in Pensacola, FL to Frank and Merle (Sims) Hetherington.

She was a proud resident of Pensacola and a graduate of Pensacola High School. Janice married David Deloy "Loy" Gafford in 1965, before his service in Vietnam. She and Loy grew up across the street from one another on Yonge Street.

Janice was a devoted military spouse, who tirelessly supported her husband's career in the U.S. Air Force. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering support of her family and country.

After her husband's retirement, they returned to Pensacola, FL. Janice went to work for Ordon's until it's closing, and then Mayes Office Supply. She then joined the Escambia County Tax Collector's office in 1993 until retirement in 2013.

Janice was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, she was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, playing cards, bowling, and traveling. She lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dogs, Tucker, Teddy, and Lilly. She was always up for an adventure and would ask, "Where are we going next? I am in for whatever, Lets go!"

Although she is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, David "Loy" Gafford (.2002), her parents, Edmond "Frank" (d.2008) and Merle (d.2004) Hetherington, her brother, Edward "Ronnie" Hetherington (d. 2021), her sister-in-law, Connie Pearl (Shirah) Hetherington (d.2019).

Janice is survived by her children, Kimberly (Marc) Gafford and David "Craig" Gafford, her brothers, Steve Hetherington, Frank Hetherington, and Fred (Tonya) Hetherington, and her sister-in-law, Paula Hetherington, her grandchildren, Robby Binford, Andrew Binford and Carly Gafford, in addition to many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm, at Hillcrest Baptist Church, Heritage Hall located at 800 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32514.