Irene Payne

Ms. Irene Payne, 87, entered her Heavenly Home on Sunday, May 28th.

Born to Coy Whitt and Beulah McMillian in Surry County, NC, she attended White Plains High School where she was an excellent student and sang gospel on the local radio station. She married the love of her life, John Henry Payne, on December 23, 1951, and moved to Sanford in 1957. Irene worked hard every day of her life and set an excellent example of a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Out of all the jobs she had, her favorites were M & M Novelty Co, and J.C. Penney, where she retired after 29 years of service. She was proud of her boys and always spoke highly of John being the first to attend college, Jerry for joining the Navy, and Jeff for being a paramedic. The greatest gifts she received in life were her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. There was no one greater than Granny Payne.

She is survived by three sons; John, Jerry, and Jeff, three daughters-in-law; Terri, Judy, and Deana, six grandsons; Josh (Whitney), Jonathan, Jason, Justin, Jeffrey Scott (Ashley), and John Alan, four great-grandchildren, Arber, Harper, Nolan, and Fletcher, three sisters, Opal Barton, Bonnie Payne, and Savannah Payne, numerous special nieces and nephews, and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, parents, brothers Bobby and Billy Whitt, and brothers-in-law James, Tom, Jesse, Irby, and Buford Payne.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 3rd, at 2:00 P.M. at Tramway Baptist Church, Rev. Jacob Peterson presiding. Visitation will follow afterwards in the fellowship hall.

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