Janet Payne Bell

She was born May 1st, 1940, and graduated to be with God the early morning of May 24th, 2026.

It was a surprise to her four children because lately she had been telling us all that she was going to live to 100! We actually had begun to believe her since she had defied death multiple times in her recent years as she battled different ailments.

She lived a full 86 years. “Joyful“ is the perfect word to describe her. She was full of life, humor, and sass. She loved fiercely and was always looking for a way to say an encouraging word.

Janet grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the daughter of Clyde and Sarah Payne and older sister to Earl Payne.

She worked as a legal secretary at Bass, Berry and Sims for over 35 years, finally retiring in 2005 only because of her health. One of her favorite places to go was to the beach, any beach, with any portion of her family with whom she could travel. She enjoyed hosting her Bible Study friends at her apartment each week and going to lunch with the many work and church friends who loved her. Her friends from West End Church of Christ, Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, and Fourth Avenue Church of Christ were dear to her, some for decades and some for just the last few years.

She is survived by her four children Angel (Dave) Carter, Tod (Emily) Bell, Brant (Jennifer) Bell and Ashley (Jason) Painter. She was “Nana” to her 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, and was so proud that two more were on the way. One of her favorite declarations when at family gatherings was, “I started all this!” It was always her goal to live long enough to see all of her grandchildren married and she just recently accomplished that goal.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday,June 7, 2026, at Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Franklin, TN 37064. Visitation starts at 3:30PM with a Memorial Service following at 5:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Gift may be made to Youth Scholarships at Fourth Avenue Church of Christ by following this link:

https://fourthavenuechurch.fellowshiponego.com/external/form/4cc09833-bd38-461c-ac66-0b36e711ff61