Janet Josephine Spence was born in Askenish, Hanover, Jamaica WI., in 1917. The second to last daughter of an agriculturalist, she grew up with an appreciation for food and a love of cooking.

In her married life, Mrs. Dickson perfected her recipe for rum cakes. At first they were given away as holiday gifts. As notoriety of her cakes grew she began an informal business providing her confections for local weddings.

Ms. Janet lovingly baked her cakes for many decades, and they remained popular among family, friends and throughout her community. As her children and grandchildren migrated to the US, they brought the recipe with them and continued the tradition.