Janice Marie Dickens Dunlap

Janice Marie Dickens Dunlap, known to all as Jan, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida, after a courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. She was 77 years old. Jan was born on April 4, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Gaston Louis Dickens and Martha Elizabeth Williams Dickens. She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1967, where she was salutatorian and was selected to serve on the Ivey’s Department Store Teen Board. From there, she went on to attend the University of Florida, where she distinguished herself as a campus leader. At the University of Florida, she served on Governor Kirk's Advisory Council, was recognized in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, was inducted into the Seminole Honors Hall of Fame, and was a member of Mortar Board. She served as president of the women’s leadership organization, Savant UF, and president of Tri Delta sorority, leaving a lasting mark on the university community. On August 15, 1970, Jan married Davisson Dunlap, Jr. in Jacksonville, Florida. Shortly after, the couple moved to Tallahassee, where Jan would spend the next five decades touching countless lives as an educator. Beginning as an English teacher at Godby High School, she taught the school's first-ever gifted class and served as Senior Sponsor for many years, developing the innovative Gifted Studies program for college-bound students that included essay and résumé writing, test preparation, and field trips to college campuses. In 1990, she helped to create the Externship program, allowing students to earn credit while working alongside professionals in their chosen fields—a program that became a staple across Leon County high schools. In 1999, Jan moved to the newly built Chiles High School, where she was among the inaugural faculty. She helped establish the English department from the ground up, brought the National Honor Society and Brain Bowl to the school, taught Advanced Placement (AP) Literature and Composition, and coordinated both AP and Externship programs. Jan believed teaching was an art form. Beyond the classroom, Jan was an active member of the Tallahassee community. She enjoyed many decades of fellowship with Faith Presbyterian Church. In 1981, Jan was an integral part of the effort to restore the Union Bank, which is now a part of the Museum of Florida History. She belonged to the Charter Club, was a member of the Junior League, participated in Cotillion, and co-chaired the Goodwood antiques show. She was renowned as a party hostess, particularly for her annual sock hop that transformed her home into a 1950s wonderland, complete with vintage cars and pinball machines. Her creativity and attention to detail made every gathering memorable. In retirement, Jan found peace and joy at Cape San Blas, where she loved the natural beauty of Florida's coast. She spent happy hours collecting scallops and entertaining her beloved grandchildren in this special place. Jan is survived by her husband of 55 years, Davisson Frey Dunlap, Jr.; her son, Davisson Dunlap III (Clarissa Dunlap) and their children, Pilar and Davisson, and daughter Whitney Dunlap (Jesse Menning) and their children, William and Caroline; her sister, Brenda Dye; many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews; and countless former students whose lives she forever changed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gaston Louis Dickens and Martha Elizabeth Williams Dickens. The thousands of students whose lives Jan touched have made her a legend in Leon County schools. Well-loved by all, her kindness, compassion, and inspiration in the classroom will be deeply missed but never forgotten. A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 2200 N. Meridian Road in Tallahassee. A reception will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Goodwood Museum & Gardens and CurePSP (www.psp.org) Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Dunlap family with arrangements.

Tributes

Janice Marie Dickens Dunlap

April 4, 1948 - September 29, 2025