Janet Thomason

Janet Eloise Thomason, 91, of Niceville, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida, where she had lived near her daughter for the past two years.

Born in Stilwell, Oklahoma, Janet was the daughter of Wayne H. and Alma P. Thomas. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Alan Thomas; and her beloved husband of 58 years, Charlie R. “Bob” Thomason.

Janet graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Business. She helped her parents manage their two Dairy Queen restaurants in Oklahoma and later Abilene, Texas. Her business acumen and management experience led to her becoming the second employee in the Human Resources Department at the newly established Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.

At age 22, while working on base, Janet met and married the love of her life, Bob Thomason, after a whirlwind three-month courtship. The couple’s final assignment was at Eglin Air Force Base, and they made their home in Niceville, where they lived for 39 years after Bob’s retirement. Together they enjoyed sailing, long walks on the beach, and the beautiful Gulf views they had always dreamed of.

Janet and Bob raised three children: Darla (Chris) Huffman, Robin Thomason, and Tray (Lorrie) Thomason, all of whom survive her and are grieving the loss of their devoted mother.

After raising her family and supporting Bob’s military career, Janet dedicated herself to her faith and community. She served for many years on the local and state boards of Aglow International, where she was known for her leadership, Bible teaching, and passionate prayer life. She and Bob were longtime active members of Generations United Church, where they formed many cherished friendships.

Janet also served as a Guardian Ad Litem for Okaloosa County, advocating tirelessly for abused and neglected children. In recognition of her outstanding service, she was named Okaloosa County Volunteer of the Year in 2000. She later trained new volunteers to help them better interview and represent children in the court system.

In addition to her children, Janet is survived by four grandchildren, Kelsey Rae Huffman of Destin, Florida; Courtney (Richard) Etheredge of Athens, Georgia; Charlie Thomason of Marietta, Georgia; and Noelle Thomason of Jacksonville, Florida. She also leaves one great-grandson, Richard Etheredge III of Athens, Georgia.

A loving and devoted grandmother, Janet cherished time with her family. She expressed her love through babysitting, sewing, thoughtful gifts, encouragement, and countless home-cooked meals. She was known for bringing delicious dishes to friends in need and lived a life marked by generosity, fierce love for her family, and deep faith in Jesus Christ. She never took her loved ones for granted and radiated the love of the Lord in all she did.

A celebration of life will be held at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547 on Monday, July 13, 2026, beginning at 2:00p.m. All are invited to attend. A private family interment will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery on Naval Air Station Pensacola.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Janet’s memory.