Janet Zepeda

Janet Carol (Avery) Zepeda, 72 passed away peacefully at home with her family on June 8, 2017. She was born on September 10, 1944 in Fort Worth, Texas and was subsequently adopted by George Raymond Avery and Marion (Husted) Avery of Corpus Christi, TX on October 20, 1944. After being adopted, Janet's mother remarked that she would grow up to be a "world beater" and she certainly was to all that loved her. Janet grew up in Corpus Christi, TX. She graduated from Roy Miller HS 3rd in her class in 1962. After high school, she attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville, TX where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. Janet was a passionate believer in the power of public education and worked for the Corpus Christi Independent School District her entire professional career. She began her career teaching science at Roy Miller HS and eventually found her niche working with at-risk students at the CCISD Alternative Education Center. She received her master's degree in guidance and counseling from Corpus Christi State University. After teaching for sixteen years, she transitioned to working as a school counselor at Mary Carroll HS and retired in 1998. Janet married Charles Zepeda on December 27, 1966 in Corpus Christi, TX. They shared a very special love and were happily married for 50 years. She was an exceptional mother and doted on her grandchildren who lovingly called her Mammy. Those closest to Janet will remember her love of her children, grandchildren and her animals. She was always happiest with a child, dog or cat in her lap. Her family particularly enjoyed getting together to enjoy her wonderful cooking and admire her beautiful gardens. Janet is survived by her spouse, Charles of Odem, TX, her children; son, Raymond Zepeda and wife, Shannon of Cypress, TX; daughter, Leah (Zepeda) Graves and husband Chad of Natalia, TX. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Ryan, Riley and Reid Zepeda of Cypress, TX and Caden Fregia, Catherine and Cameron Graves of Natalia, TX. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, George Raymond Avery and Marion (Husted) Avery and her brother Ronald Avery. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Sawyer-George Funeral Home Funeral Home, 12497 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78410 on Friday, June 16th, at 10:00 am. A reception will follow at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 13026 Leopard St., Corpus Christi, TX 78410. Janet's family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude for the caregivers of the Christus Hospice & Palliative Care-Spohn. Special gratitude is reserved for Christus Hospice workers', Lee Johnson and Shari Smith. They were of great comfort to our entire family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 13026 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78410 in Janet's name.