Janice Cross Dunford

Janice was born on February 26, 1955 to Billy and Darnell Cross, in New Albany, MS. There were 3 children in the family and Janice was the middle child. She has an older brother, David and was preceded in death by her younger sister, Theresa.

She was married for 23 years to Benjamin Franklin Dunford, who preceded her in death.

Janice grew up in Memphis and graduated from White Station High School in 1973.

Janice's mother died very young and Janice took over all the household duties to care for her siblings, father and grandmother. Janice was 11 years old when her mom died and she was able to handle all the home responsibilities and keep up with all her homework, and keep a positive attitude.

Janice loved to laugh and was always ready to hear a good story! She loved music and enjoyed all the 70's genres.

After Janice graduated from High School, she went to work at Holiday Inn Riverbluff. She started out as a Hotel Desk Clerk and quickly progressed to Sales and Catering Manager.

She stayed in the Hotel industry for many years and met her husband, Ben, at work. He was an electrician and was working at the hotel. They quickly became a couple and soon married. Ben was the love of her life and when he passed, she missed him until the day she passed. She spoke of him last week and how much she loved and missed him. She told us she would see him in Heaven, soon.

Janice faced a lot of significant health issues over the years and handled all the challenges with grace and kindness to all who cared for her. Her love of people and talkative nature, helped her never meet a stranger. She would tell stories of how kind and helpful everyone was to her.

The last years of Janice's life proved to be extremely challenging and pain was not a friend.

Her friends were available to help meet her physical needs and take her to many Dr. visits, Physical Therapy and numerous other medical appointments. Her friends all knew that if Janice was able, she would be there for each person and would love to help others in ways she was helped.

Janice Cross Dunford was one of a kind. She will always be remembered as a loving, forgiving and kind person who loved others more than herself.

A visitation for Janice will be held Monday, March 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122. Following the visitation will be a rotunda service from 1:00 PM to 1:20 PM at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN 38125.