Janice Woodcock Handley

Janice Woodcock Handley of Lakeland, FL died peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, August 4, 2025. Janice was born September 21, 1937, in Auburndale, FL to Coy Woodcock and Evelyn Turner Woodcock. She is survived by her husband Arthur Handley of Auburndale, FL, children Rhonda (Rick) Nelson of Lakeland, FL, John (Deborah) Newbern of Lakeland, FL, Shelda (Jeff) Gary of Polk City, FL, Jimmy (Denise) Handley of Auburndale, FL, Mark Handley of Auburndale, FL, 18 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters Linda Cruse of Ormond Beach, FL and Bobbie Sowell of Slyvania, GA. Janice was a graduate of Auburndale High School. Her first job was a telephone operator at Peninsula Phone company. She then became a homemaker to raise her children. As her children grew older, she worked at Sun Bank and the Winter Haven News Chief. After becoming a grandmother, she dedicated her life to her love of children by being a caretaker in her home and eventually became the preschool director for St. Paul's Episcopal School in Winter Haven. She was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church caring for little ones by teaching vacation bible school and nursery. Janice was a member of the Order of St. Luke and lifted prayers for many in her community. She was a beloved mother and an amazing "Granny Janny" to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered as a quick witted, God-fearing lady who would always teach the ways of the Lord. A loving, caring teacher to so many children, she loved the beach, always knew the latest gossip and loved animals and babies. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at 11 am at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winter Haven, followed by the interment in the church Rose Garden. In Janice's memory, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Good Shepherd Hospice, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805.