Janis Higgins Gordon

June 20, 1945 – May 28. 2026

Janis Higgins Gordon, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully surrounded by love.

Born on June 20, 1945, in Hereford, Texas, Janis was the cherished daughter of A.B. and Alberta Davis Higgins. Her early years in Texas instilled in her a lifelong pride in her roots, leading her to attend Texas Tech University, where she proudly graduated and prepared for a life of profound service to others.

Janis dedicated her life to shaping the minds and hearts of young people. As a career-long educator with the Franklin County, Florida School System, her passion for education and her unwavering commitment to children left an indelible mark on the community. She spent years inspiring students and guiding teachers, ultimately retiring as the respected and admired Principal of Brown Elementary School in Eastpoint, Florida. Her legacy as an educator lives on in the thousands of lives she touched throughout her distinguished career.

While her professional achievements were vast, Janis’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. She was the cornerstone of her family, providing endless love, wisdom, and grace.

She is survived by her husband, Tommy Gordon of Panama City Beach, Florida; and her loving daughters, Brenda Varney (Flip) of Waleska, Georgia, and Pamela Jones (Kenneth) of Crawfordville, Florida.

She was a proud and doting grandmother to Melissa Gonzales (Paul), Sara Brunner (Rick), Rob Moore, Holly Randolph (Chris) and bonus grandchildren Jessica Early (Dan) and Matthew Varney (Kari). Her legacy continues through her five precious great-grandsons: Trenton Antley, Mason Antley, Kensaiah Rochelle, Maddox Gonzales, and Landon Gonzales.

Janis is also survived by her best friend and sister, LuAnne Black, sister-in-law Beth Higgins and brother, Mike Higgins, as well as a wonderful circle of nieces and nephews who adored her: Carrie Smith (Todd), Liz Blike (Chris), Heidi Brandenburg, Aaron Higgins (Kristi), Garret Higgins (Cameron), and Kyle Higgins (Caitlin) along with many loving great nieces and nephews.

She was greeted in heaven by her parents, her dear brother, Robert; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Jaliyah Rochelle.

Janis will be remembered for her fierce dedication to education, her elegant leadership, and, above all, the boundless love she shared with her family. Her spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Janis Higgins Gordon Memorial Scholarship, supporting Franklin County students pursuing a career in education. Donations may be made at https://bold.org/funds/janis-higgins-gordon-memorial-scholarship-fund/