Janice Elaine Jepperson Bird

Janice Elaine Jepperson Bird, 69, passed away on June 17, 2026. Born on November 3, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Janice lived a life defined by kindness, resilience, lifelong learning, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Raised in Utah, Janice also lived for short periods of time in California and Washington, then eight years in Connecticut before ultimately making the Memphis, Tennessee area her home for the last three decades of her life.

Janice married Gregory Bird at the age of 19, and together they built a family that became the center of her world. She was the proud mother of Angelique Bird and Geoffrey Bird, a devoted mother-in-law to Marisa Bird, and a loving grandmother to Alex Vandenbergh, Eva Vandenbergh, Abigail Bird, and Garrett Bird. She maintained a relationship with her former son-in-law, Mike Vandenbergh, whom she continued to stay in touch with throughout her life. Family was always her highest priority, and nothing brought her greater joy or pride than her children and grandchildren.

Professionally, Janice built a career in banking, beginning in entry-level positions and advancing to the role of Vice President in commercial lending. Yet one of her proudest accomplishments came later in life. After raising her family and building a career, she returned to college in her 50s, attending classes alongside students less than half her age, and earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Her love of learning never faded, and she especially enjoyed discussing history, people, and the events that shaped the world.

Faith was an important part of Janice’s life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she carried a quiet but steadfast testimony that guided her through life’s blessings and hardships.

Janice was known for making ordinary moments feel special. Friends and family were welcomed into a home filled with antiques, treasured collections, and carefully chosen details that reflected her belief in gracious living. Her Christmas Eve and Easter table were legendary, her yeast rolls were famous, her pantry was well stocked, and she somehow found room for multiple waffle makers. Whether hosting a tea party, sharing a meal, or gathering around the dining room table set with real linens and carefully selected dishes, Janice created spaces where people felt comfortable, valued, and loved.

She was a faithful friend who treasured traditions and relationships. She maintained regular lunch dates, cherished conversations, and enjoyed her time in Somerville listening to and singing along with live music. She devoted herself to staying connected with those she loved, by creating routines and traditions, that became treasured parts of family life.

She was also the family’s biggest cheerleader, always encouraging those she loved to pursue their dreams, face challenges with courage, and celebrate life’s victories. She’s cheering you on even now with a “You Go!”

Janice loved following along in her grandchildren’s lives. She kept up with their activities, attended games and special events, and became such a familiar presence that people noticed when she was absent.

Those who knew Janice often remarked on her extraordinary kindness and sweetness. She extended grace freely, believed in forgiveness, and sought understanding rather than judgment. She had a gift for making people feel heard, accepted, and appreciated. Above all, she made people feel loved and reminded them to appreciate life’s simple moments.

Janice was also a fighter. After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, she lived for thirteen more years, longer than expected. Even during her final months, her resilience and humor remained intact. After being told she had less than six months to live, she later glanced at a calendar and realized she had already exceeded that prediction, bringing a chuckle to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Ray Jepperson and Effie Elaine Thomson Jepperson; her brother, Randy Jepperson; and her former husband, Gregory Bird.

She is survived by her children, Angelique Bird and Geoffrey Bird (Marisa); her grandchildren, Alex Vandenbergh, Eva Vandenbergh, Abigail Bird, and Garrett Bird; her siblings, Doug Jepperson (Pam), Tom Jepperson (Carol), Sheri Jepperson, and Bonnie Jepperson (Shaun); and many extended family members and dear friends.

Janice’s legacy is found not only in the family she loved so deeply, but also in the countless simple moments she elevated through her kindness, thoughtfulness, and presence. She showed us that a beautifully set table, an encouraging word, a phone call, a shared meal, or simply showing up can become an act of love.

A few weeks before she passed away, Janice was asked what advice she would leave behind. She smiled, paused, and took three slow breaths. When asked if that was her answer, she nodded and said yes.

Perhaps that simple wisdom captures her life better than anything else. Through joy and hardship, triumph and loss, Janice kept moving forward one breath at a time. Her final gift to those she loved was the same quiet reminder she lived by: breathe three times, take the next step, and repeat as often as necessary.

Funeral services will be held Saturday June 27, 2026 at Larkin Sunset Lawn located at 2350 E 1300 S. A viewing will be held at 12:00 pm followed by the funeral at 1:00 pm. The Interment will take place immediately following the funeral at 2:00 pm at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery.

Guests are invited to wear purple as an optional way to honor her favorite color.

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81055146879