Janet Foley King

Janet was born Janet Ellen Foley on August 6, 1958, in Lowell, MA, the second child of Richard T. Foley Jr. and Mary (Smith) Foley. She spent her early years in North Chelmsford before moving with her family to Macungie, PA, at age 12. At 16, Janet returned to Chelmsford, MA, where she graduated from Chelmsford High School in 1976.

After graduation, Janet trained and worked as a Dialysis Technician at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lowell, MA. She continued in this field after marrying her high school sweetheart in 1977 and moving back to Pennsylvania. In 1981, she relocated to Florida to help run Woodlawn Nursery in Sebring, where she found blessings in the form of a daughter and a son. Janet later became the owner and operator of The Village Greenery in Avon Park, where her unique and creative landscapes were in high demand.

On December 24, 1989, Janet married the love of her life, Robert R. King III, blending their families to include four sons and one daughter. With Robert's support, Janet pursued her lifelong dream of becoming an artist. She attended an art workshop that bolstered her confidence and unique talent as a watercolor artist. She then opened a pottery and painting studio in downtown Sebring, where she hosted art workshops and created original works that graced the walls of her studio and were cherished by local art patrons, businesses, friends, and family.

Janet remained humble about her art, always surprised by the attention it garnered. Her work continues to be displayed in public buildings and offices, a testament to her enduring talent and spirit.

In 2022, Janet faced the profound loss of her beloved husband, Robert. Struggling with this tragedy, led her to move closer to family in Jacksonville earlier this year.

Janet was a generous, loving, and spontaneous free spirit, now welcomed into heaven by her Lord and Savior, her husband Robert, stepson Jason King, mother Mary Foley, father Richard Foley and others who have gone before her. Her unique spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Janet is survived by her daughter Alexandra (Matthew) Griffin of Jacksonville, son Christopher Benson of Pembroke, GA, stepson Barrett (Victoria) King of Jupiter, FL, stepson Andrew King of Jacksonville, sister Joanne (Robert) DiLella of Port St. Lucie, FL, sister Judy (Claire) Kotzampaltiris-Foley of Wayland, MA, and her cherished grandchildren, Marina, Ashton, Saylor, Kate, Christopher, Phoenix, Beau, and Carolina. She also leaves behind loving aunts, cousins, and nieces.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held on Friday, July 19th, at 1:30 PM at Southside Methodist Church, 3120 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207, with a reception to follow at Epping Forest Yacht Club 1830 Epping Forest Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32217 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Janet's desire to help others, donations can be made to Sebring High School - Soup Up the Arts. Address is 3514 Kenilworth Boulevard, Sebring, FL, 33870 In honor of Janet F King.