Janice Doughty-Dennis

Janice Doughty Dennis, affectionately known as "Jay," passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on February 1, 1949, in Wilmington, DE, to Perry Bell, Sr. and Alvera Bell, Janice was a woman of remarkable integrity, wisdom, and heart.

Janice received her early education in the Wilmington public school system and went on to have a dedicated professional career. She served as a supervisor at both Goodwill Industries and Fairfield Inn before eventually retiring from Christiana Care.

Known as the "green thumb" of the family, Janice had a passion for planting and nurturing flowers. She took great pride in her home, frequently rearranging furniture and decorating both the interior and exterior for every holiday. She cherished family gatherings and was known for her generosity, always ensuring that friends and family received gifts during the Christmas season.

As the matriarch of her family, Janice guided her loved ones with strength and love, always prioritizing the well-being of the collective. She was a woman of deep compassion and emotional intelligence who possessed a "heart of gold" and an innate ability to empathize with others. Whether she was cooking a meal for a visitor, talking on the phone with her best friend, Dorothy Taylor, or listening to her favorite music by Luther Vandross, Janice made everyone in her life feel special and valued.

Janice walked with a strong moral compass, consistently helping others without expecting anything in return. She was a devoted wife and an extraordinary mother and grandmother whose legacy of honesty and kindness will be deeply missed.

Janice was preceded in death by her father, Perry Bell, Sr.; her mother, Alvera Bell; her sister, Rita Brown; and her grandson, Tymel Kenney.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Duke Dennis; her children, Reid Bell (Wylere), Tyrone Bell (Lisa), Luvenia Anderson, and Demietrius Doughty, her dog Bentley; stepchildren, Terrin Dennis and Lynel Dennis; her brothers, Perry Bell (Kathy) and Thomas Bell (Claudette); and her sisters, Regina Bell and Octavia Bell. She is also survived by her in-laws, Dorothy Thomas, Laura Purnell, Carl Dennis, and Archie Dennis; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; her devoted best friend, Dorothy Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.