Janice Ward, 81, of Inverness, Florida and formerly of Winnabow, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by family and under the care of Avante Nursing Home and VITAS Hospice Care.
Janice was born on February 27, 1945, in Zanesville, Ohio, and was the daughter of the late Robert Clifford Baird and the late Leonard and Thelma Rose Bailey. Janice worked for many years as an EMT for Town Creek Rescue in Brunswick County, North Carolina while also holding several other jobs throughout her working years.
Janice spent most of her adult life in North Carolina and relocated to Inverness, Florida in 2018. She lived independently for many years at Inverness Club Senior Apartments before moving to Avante Nursing Home in 2022. Janice enjoyed reading her Bible, listening to Jimmy Swaggart, attending church, playing bingo, coloring, and spending time with family, friends, and her favorite Avante staff members. She loved animals and was especially fond of dogs.
Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph DesFonds, Sr.; sister, Diane Bailey DesFonds; brothers, Fred Bailey and Lester Bailey; sons, Robert “Bobby” Coombs, James Leroy Tillman, and Mickey DesFonds; daughter, Denise DesFonds; and grandsons, Timothy Michael DesFonds and Isaiah Joseph Morrell.
Janice is survived by her sons, David DesFonds and wife Mandy of Ash, North Carolina; Joseph DesFonds, Jr. and wife Ginger of Leland, North Carolina; John DesFonds and wife JoAnna of Inverness, Florida; and Benjamin DesFonds of Winnabow, North Carolina; and by her daughter, Mary Ann “Casey” Reynolds and husband Robert of Holden Beach, North Carolina. Janice is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Private cremation will take place under the direction of Charles E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness, Florida. Memorial services for family and friends will be held at later dates in Inverness, Florida and Winnabow, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions toward Janice’s memorial fund, which can be sent directly to Charles E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness, Florida.
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