Janet D Gregory

In Loving Memory of Janet Darlene Gregory December 16, 1943 – July 6, 2026

With heavy hearts and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Janet Darlene Gregory, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. To those who loved her most, she was known by Ma, Grandma, Granny, Gram, and Graham Cracker. Others knew her as Janet or, if you were lucky enough to, Pickles.

Janet was born on December 16, 1943, in Mather, Pennsylvania, to Edward and Evelyn Speelman. She was the eldest of four children and the family's only daughter. Her brothers were Terry Lee Speelman, William “Bill” Edward Speelman, and George Brent Speelman. Around 1951, the family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where Janet's adventurous spirit and determination continued to shine. As a young woman, Janet faced life's challenges with incredible strength, raising her three children as a single mother: Harold Lee Thompson (Amy), Laverne Michele Masta (Doug), and Edward Arthur Thompson (Annette). She worked tirelessly to provide for her family while building a successful career in the hospitality industry. Janet took immense pride in her work and made history as the first female manager of a Hilton hotel in the state of Michigan, leading the way for women in her field.

In 1976, Janet met the love of her life, William "Bill" Gregory. Together they had a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure, marrying in 1989.
Making Sebring Fl their forever home in 2003. Janet was an artist at heart and approached life with creativity, curiosity, and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to craft, paint, sew, crochet, and make people laugh, finding joy in the little things and had an unmatched ability to turn ordinary days into cherished memories. Her grandchildren, who were truly her heart. She loved loading up all grandchildren for unforgettable adventures, whether it was spending summer days at the lake, trips to Irish Hills and stagecoach stop, or singing every word to the Mamma Mia! soundtrack until all the girls knew every lyric by heart. Those moments became treasured memories that will be held dearly.

Janet loved giving back to others. As a proud member of Toby's Clowns as Pickles the Clown , she delighted in face painting and visits to children's hospitals. Her love extended to the animals she adored. She had both cats and dogs. Her dog, Angel, was treated like family—and even had a handmade wardrobe sewed herself and yes, she would dress Angel daily and take her everywhere.
She loved to show off what she could whip up with a needle and thread! Lovingly creating the entire wedding party's attire for Harold and Amy's wedding and sewed both the mother of the bride's and mother of the groom's dresses for Edward and Annette's wedding.
Janet's life is one of love, resilience, generosity, creativity, and laughter. She taught those around her to find joy in every day and to create beauty with our hands.

Though she will be missed, her love lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Her stories will continue to be told, her laughter remembered, and the blankets, crafts, and memories she created will remain lasting reminders of a life lived with purpose and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Evelyn Speelman; her husband, William "Bill" Gregory; and her son, Harold Lee Thompson.
Janet is survived by her brother, Terry Lee Speelman (Linda); her daughter, Michele Masta (Doug); her son, Edward Thompson (Annette); her cherished grandchildren Dougie, Ashley (Timothy), Brandon, Erica (David), Hayley (Matthew), Chelsea (Nick), Austin (Jenna), and Juley; her beloved great-grandchildren, Christopher, Chloe, McCoy, Hudson, Scarlett, and Banks; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.