Janice L. Sutton, 83, went home to be with the Lord, March 5, 2026 after an extended illness. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family and those she loved and cherished most in this world.

Ms. Sutton was born in Starke, FL to James E. and Mary V. Purdee. She grew up in Crescent City on the lake. At 16 she gave her heart and soul to the Lord at a camp meeting at the church her Mother had helped start. She remained in Crescent City until turning 18 when she moved to Savannah, GA. While in Savannah, she married and had 2 daughters. She later moved back to DeLand to be closer to her Mother and siblings.

In 1972 she began working at Sherwood Medical until retiring in 2004. After retirement, she could be found at local auctions, or thrift stores trying to find something for a deal. But above all that, she was a Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and recently a Great-Great- Grandmother. But she was simply known as Nana. She raised and loved 2 of her grandsons from their births, and affectionately called them "my boys". She loved spending time with her family and just getting out and riding. She was a member of Calvary Full Gospel Church in Deleon Springs, FL. Her faith in God and strength helped form and shape every generation of her family. She prayed each and everyday for every single one of her grandchildren and made sure that they were loved beyond measure. She was and forever will be the foundation and strength of her family. She taught us that Faith can move mountains and that we can do all things through Christ, for as He was her strength,  He is now ours as we continue this journey without her.

Ms. Sutton was predeceased by her parents, both of her daughters, Angela L. Turner and Pamela D. Bach. 2 grandsons, Gabriel Bass and Canaan Hyatt. 2 sisters, Geraldine Woodard and Yvonne Dingus. 3 brothers, Eschol Purdee, David Purdee, and Jimmy Purdee.

Left to cherish her memory are her 2 sons, Brandon Hyatt, DeLand, and Aaron Braddock (Alyssa), Orange City. 2 Sisters Elaine Kirkland, DeLand. Diane Wall, Emporia. Brother, Chuck Purdee, DeLand. Grandsons, Jayme Bass (Amber), Leavenworth, KS and Jacob Turner, Pierson. Granddaughter, Ellyce Thompson, Virginia. Great-Grandchildren, Jasmine Milian, Miah Bass, Braydon Hyatt, Ethan Hyatt, Levi Hyatt, Chloe Hyatt, Melody Braddock, Olivia Braddock, Bryson Scribner, Gage Thompson, Niko Turner, Bowen Turner. Great-Great-Grandchildren, Carson Hyatt, Pyper Hyatt, Noah Hyatt, and Landon Hyatt. Plus countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

"The Love That Raised You"

She was not only a grandmother.
She was the arms that held you
When the world felt uncertain.

She was the voice that told you
You were safe,
The heart that stood between you
And every darkness she once knew herself.

Long before you understood it,
She made a quiet promise—
That the pain she endured as a child
Would never be the story of yours.

So she stood watch over your lives
With a strength few ever see.
Turning her wounds into wisdom,
Her sorrow into protection,
Her love into a home.

She raised you not just to grow,
But to be safe.
Not just to survive,
But to know you were deeply loved.

And though today your hearts are heavy
And your tears fall freely,
The life she built in you
Still stands.

You carry her courage.
You carry her kindness.
You carry the love
That only she could give.

A woman like her
Does not truly leave this world—
Because the lives she protected
Are the living proof
That her love
Still remains.