In 1954, in New Smyrna Beach Florida, a flower was born. The color was red and the scent was infectious. That flower, born to Bishop Henry and Essie Ross was named Janice Arlene Ross. She was the second youngest of six children. Janice matured and developed into the most beautiful, funny, unapologetic person who was loved by everyone. She attended FAMU and was very proud to be an alumni of the FAMU Rattlers. There, she majored in Fashion Retail and Marketing. Her journey continued through 1978, when she married the love of her life, Everard McLachlan. They were told that the road wouldn’t be easy, but with God’s help, He guided them over the rocky roads they’d face together. For many years, she was a member of Greater Refuge Temple where she was saved and baptized. 

Janice had an adept talent for drawing, and enjoyed cooking/baking, making people laugh, weight lifting, and was always there and willing to help anyone in need. One thing people who knew Janice understood that she was unapologetically who she was and didn’t concern herself with fitting into any mold. She taught her children this philosophy that they hold to this day. 

Though she faced various health challenges, she had the ability to see how God was working in her and never let those hurdles fundamentally change who she was. On January 6th of 2025, the flower faded and God saw fit to call His daughter home.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 46 years, sons Andrei (Denise) and Christopher (Tanzania), and daughter: Ashley (Bryan) as well as her five grandchildren: Zion, Kayla, Judah, Josiah and Elijah; her siblings: Ethelyn Rosier, Cynthia Waring (Timothy), Bishop Henry Ross, Jr. (Sandra), and Kathy Forehand (Daryl) will grieve their beloved sister and a generation of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends will mourn as they remember who she was to them.