Janet Claire (Payne) Holcomb

Janet Claire (Payne) Holcomb, 83, of El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, she remained deeply connected to the community she called home. She graduated from Loretto Academy with high honors, and Texas Western College, now The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

Teaching was not simply her career; it was an important part of who she was. Janet was an elementary school teacher with the El Paso Independent School District, beginning her teaching career in 1967 and continuing until 2004. During those 37 years, she taught at 10 different schools, touching the lives of generations of children.

Janet was immensely proud to be a teacher and loved her students. She brought dedication, compassion, and genuine care to the classroom. She was an exemplary teacher whose influence extended far beyond the classroom walls. The love and respect she had for her students remained an important part of her life long after she retired.

Janet had a brilliant smile that could light up a room. She loved to laugh—sometimes until she cried—and her joy and warmth were among the things people will remember most about her. She had a special love for cats, and they held a cherished place in her heart.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Kristian “Kris” Kelleen McIntyre; her brother, James “Jim” Thomas Payne and his spouse Debi; her stepdaughters, Michelle Elizabeth Kerr, and Margaret “Maggie” Lynn Holcomb; her step-grandchildren, Theresa “Tessa” Rae Lynn Holcomb, Lane Thomas Kerr, and Elise Jeanine Kerr; and sister-in-law, Becky Holcomb Oyston. Janet will also be remembered and deeply missed by her numerous nieces and nephews, former students, colleagues, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched throughout her years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Tom” Earl Holcomb; her daughter, Karen “Kiki” Key McIntyre; her sister, Mary Ruth “Ruthie” (Payne) Baker; her brothers, William “Bill” Clifford Payne, and John Early Payne; and her parents, Ruth Frances Payne, and William “Bill” Early Payne.

Janet leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, teaching, and countless lives made brighter by knowing her. She will be remembered for her love of her family, the care for her students, her generous spirit, and the joy she brought into the lives of those around her.

Graveside service will be held at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson, El Paso, TX 79906 on Monday, September 28th, 2026, at 2:30 pm. Once inside the cemetery, follow the signs to the East Shelter on East Drive.