Janice Jean Gafford Johnson

On August 28, 1959 a beautiful tiny baby girl was born in Bryan, Texas, to the parents of Lawrence and Mable Gafford (both preceded her in death). She was given the name Janice Jean Gafford. Her family affectionately called her “TinyBaby”. She was raised alongside her three siblings.

Janice “TinyBaby” accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized and taught under the leadership of Rev. W.W. Ford at Peaceful Rest Baptist Church. In 1976, she decided to move to Houston, Texas, during her senior year of high school. She attended and graduated from Carver High School in 1977. Her love to nurture others led her into the medical field and she became a nursing assistant. She would go on to care for others over the next twenty years.

Janice “TinyBaby” met and married Dennis Lee Johnson and to this union, her baby boy Dennis was born. Tragically she became a widow in 1983. She would later go on to meet “Gray” and to this union, her two beautiful girls Dominique and Robin were born. With a heart as big as hers she welcomed two more sons Derek and Anthony.

Janice “TinyBaby” was the oldest and the head of the family. She helped raise her entire family, and over the years she was known as “mama” to so many. Her love for her children was unconditional. She found pure joy in spending time and taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandson. She enjoyed being around family, listening to music, talking noise, and swanging that cane.

On Saturday, July 22, 2023 Janice “TinyBaby” awakened in the arms of our heavenly Father to forever be with her parents, Lawrence and Mable Gafford; grandparents, John and Hattie Gafford; sisters, Alice and Francine Gafford; brother, Lawrence Gafford (who passed at birth); nephews, BillyRay, Hatch and Anthony Gafford; grandchildren, Cailah and Jaylan Baines; uncles, LG Gafford and John Robinson; aunts, Ann Robinson, Novella Gafford Garrison, and Janette Hedge.

She leaves to cherish her memories; son, Dennis Gafford Sr.; daughters, Dominique Gafford and Robin Gafford (Clarence Baines, Sr.); adoptive sons, Derek Davis and Anthony Robertson; grandchildren, Dennis Gafford Jr., Dewon Gafford Sr., Clarence Baines Jr., De’niya Baines, Denise Gafford, and Zyir Robertson; great-grandchild, Dewon Gafford Jr.; brother, Johnnie Gafford; godchildren, Travis Burns and Cassandra Parnell Williams; special nephew, Lawrence Hatch; aunts, Virginia Harris-Lewis and Willie Hickman; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and special friends.

A visitation for Janice will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. A funeral service will occur Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. A committal will occur Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at PARADISE NORTH CEMETERY, 10401 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77088.