Janice Palmer McLellan

Janice Palmer McLellan, 77 years young, died early in the morning on June 24, 2014 at Sacred Heart Hospital. She died peacefully and without pain with a friend by her side. After living many more months and even years beyond what we all thought possible, she left behind her tired little shell and took flight into a world of ecstasy and new adventures. Finally she is able to breathe freely. In her younger years, Janice was striking in her beauty. She had deep, soulful eyes and a flare for the dramatic. She had a beautiful singing voice and was head of the Color Guard in high school. But her greatest assets throughout her life were her great humor and her storytelling abilities. As a young wife and mother, Janice lived abroad in Spain, Bahrain, and New Foundland. She traveled to Portugal and Italy and was the first Navy wife to explore the churches and ancient ruins of Ethiopia by herself. In her forties she was a political muckraker and an outspoken feminist. In her fifties she became a Pensacola reporter and was published as a true crime writer. In her sixties she developed a career as a respected genealogical researcher and author. She wrote and published the book, Varner, Verner, Werner; Families of America, which traced 28 families, and is considered a gold mine for Varner researchers. Her Southern Roots column was published in the Pensacola News Journal for many years. She loved deeply and well, and for that she will be greatly missed by her family. She leaves behind her heartbroken husband, George Ronald McLellan who was her devoted caregiver. Her passing leaves a deep hole in the hearts of her two loving daughters, Julie and Valerie Blankenship. Her twin sister, Jackie Wood and her sister, Sylvia Brock, were devoted to her and were her constant companions in her hour of need. She leaves behind her dear nieces and nephew, Becky and Bryan Brock, Jenny and Joanie Wood and Kathy Jones. Vel Crane was her cousin and beloved friend. She considered stepson, Gary McLellan as her son. Janice’s friends were always precious to her, and she was a thoughtful and loving friend to many, among them were Anne, Jill, Kathy, Mary, Mack, Lois, Lou, Sharon, Terri and Teresa. Funeral service will be held at the Faith Chapel North, Hwy. 29, Cantonment, FL on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. On Sunday, June 29th, there will be a Celebration of Janice's Life at The Fish House from Noon – 3:00 Bring memories, stories, tears and laughter for sharing. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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Janice Palmer McLellan

February 18, 1937 - June 24, 2014