Janice Smith Agner, 74, of Dade City, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, surrounded by her cherished family.

Born on July 8, 1952, Janice was the oldest of three children and a natural caregiver from the very beginning. Growing up, she looked after her siblings like a second mother. Her innate compassion led to her first job caring for three young boys with muscular dystrophy. Caring for others remained a defining part of Janice’s life. She later cared for her mother in her final years and was a guiding force in the lives of her nieces, Janice and Lisa, as well as so many others who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives. She made sure everyone’s needs were met and that they knew they were loved—always with a firm hand, a big heart, and a playful, spicy attitude.

Janice was married to Polvin Alex Agner for 53 years. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, and devotion to one another.

Janice worked in several long-time positions throughout her career before retiring from Bausch + Lomb in 2017.

Perhaps Janice’s greatest act of love and caring was loving and raising Nikki. When Nikki came into her life as a baby, Janice and Alex opened their hearts and their home and made her their daughter. Janice loved Nikki fiercely and unconditionally, raising her with the same firm hand, playful spirit, and deep devotion she gave to everyone she loved. To Janice, her bond with Nikki was the greatest gift of her life.

Janice is survived by her daughter, Ashley Nicole Agner; her grandson, Kyle Sanderson; her nieces, Lisa Turner and her husband, Brian Turner, and Janice Garner and her husband, John Garner; her brother, Terry Smith; her mother-in-law, Dorothy J. Agner; her sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Susan McKendree; her sisters-in-law, Gloria Agner and Beverly Sumner and her husband, Todd; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex; her mother, Mildred Herbert; and her brother, Larry Smith.

Janice will be remembered for her generous heart, her fierce devotion to family, her willingness to care for anyone who needed her, and her unmistakable personality. She loved deeply, protected fiercely, and shared her thoughts with unfiltered candor.

Her family will forever cherish the memories of her laughter, her strength, her love, and the many ways she made sure everyone around her was cared for. Her love, her spirit, and the mark she left on the lives of those who knew her will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.