Obituary

Janice Johnson, FDIAI Past President

Janice Jan Marie Johnson, 73, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully at Sacred Heart Hospital after a long and valiant battle with cancer that began in 2021.

Jan was born in New Martinsville, WV to James Ross Horner and Leora Irene Horner. She was a graduate of Valley High School in Pine Grove, WV in 1967 and was immediately scouted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation where she worked as a Fingerprint Analyst in the Fingerprinting Division for the next 10 years.

After a fruitful career with the FBI, she then transitioned to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's (FDLE) Crime Scene Unit where she worked for over 20 years and retired as a Senior Crime Scene Analyst, the highest recognition available for Crime Scene Certification.

Jan and her beloved late husband, Phil were married February 14, 1983. That same year, they purchased their first home. He passed in 2021 from his own cancer battle.

After retirement, in 2000, Jan opened her own forensic training and consulting company, Forensic Pieces, where she traveled all over the world training thousands of law enforcement and other personnel in crime scene investigation and its many facets. She has also testified in several hundred court cases.

Jan's hobbies included Jazzercise, shopping, listening to "oldies," building relationships wherever her life took her and of course, lounging with all of her sweet puppies.

She and Phil shared a passion for rescuing dachshunds.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her brother, Ron Horner (Ellen) of Jeffersonville, KY; as well as her nephew, James Daniel Horner (Amanda) of Huntington, WV.

Visitation will be held 12:00noon until a Funeral Service to begin at 1:00pm Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Rev. Ken Griffin officiating. Internment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Olive Branch Pet Hospital. Dr. Sprayberry's wonderful staff have taken care of her dogs for over 20 years.

Special thanks go out to Jan's dear friends and employees, Dr. Michael Berkland and Crystal Merrell for assisting Jan both in her final days and throughout her time at Forensic Pieces.