Janet Payne Zeigler, 78, of Vero Beach, Florida passed peacefully from this world Friday,
February 20, 2026 at Renaissance Senior Living of Vero Beach. Janet was born May 23, 1947
in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Francis "Bud" Crawford Payne and Mildred "Millie" Hill Payne.
Her father had flown transport aircraft during WWII, and her mother was an RN who had
graduated from Emory University nursing school during the war. Janet grew up primarily in
Georgia, and had perfect Sunday school attendance for many years, showing at a young age a
strong commitment to her Christian faith which she cherished her entire life. Despite having the
challenge of polio in her youth, she courageously bounced back and was a member of the ladies
drill team called "The Lancettes" when she was in high school. She would exhibit that courage
later in life with grace and dignity. Janet earned a Bachelor's degree in Nursing at Emory
University and then received a Master's degree in Nursing from the University of Washington.
She later returned to Emory University and earned a second Master's degree in Business
Administration. Eighteen years ago, Janet and her beloved husband Larry, moved to Vero Beach
from Nashville, Tennessee after previously living in North Carolina. At the beginning of her
career, Janet worked as a nurse, and went on to become the Assistant Director of Nursing at a
major hospital in South Carolina. She later worked for Herman Miller Inc. and prior to her
professional retirement, served as the Director of Healthcare Consulting. During her time with
the company, Janet formed many lifelong friendships, and the love and respect her coworkers
had for her was most evident. Considered to be a kind, intelligent, and thoughtful woman by all
who knew her, Janet continued to be a blessing to her family and friends, and everyone she
encountered. Janet had an active church life at First Methodist Church Vero Beach, enjoyed her
wonderful Tuesday Ladies' Bible Study group, and also served as the President of the Tropic
Groves HOA in Vero. She enjoyed many additional activities including cruising, traveling by train, air, and boating, spending time in the mountains, and peaceful activities such as needlepoint
and gardening. Second to her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, her family was central to her life.

Survivors include her loving husband Larry Zeigler, precious daughter Emily Dowling (Joseph) of
Vero Beach, her brother Scott Payne (Trisha) of Atlanta, Georgia, several beloved
cousins, and her sweet grand dog Peaches.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Cox
Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach.

A service celebrating Janet's life will begin at 10:30 AM, Friday, March 13, at the First Methodist
Church, 1750 20th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960, followed by interment at Crestlawn
Cemetery.

After interment, family and friends are invited to a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Methodist
Academy, c/o First Methodist Church Vero Beach in honor of Janet Zeigler.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at
www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.