Mary Lena Hill Morgan Payne was born on October 20, 1934 in Arkansas. She was raised with her siblings, Oscar, John, Otis, Clara, Nettie, and Betty.

From her earliest days, Mary had a spirit of compassion. She dedicated herself to a career in nursing, working at the hospital where her care and attentiveness brought comfort to countless patients and families. Her colleagues and those she tended to will remember her as someone who came from a place of concern and deep well-meaning.

Mary’s journey included her marriage to BJ Payne in Waldo, Arkansas—a significant chapter of her life, though the marriage was later dissolved.

Mary was later blessed by the birth of her children: Betty, James Sr., Maurice, and Pearl. She later gained an additional source of pride and joy with the birth of her grandchildren, David, Billy James, James Jr., Dominick, Joseph, Steve, Dewayne, Donald and Dennis. Mary enjoyed the little things in life always embracing the blessings that she received. Any time spent with family and friends, was precious to her. Whether gathering for celebrations or simple phone calls, Mary cherished these moments.

To know Mary was to love her, she was stern but loved and would help anyone in need. In her free time, she enjoyed taking trips to Blackhawk. If you let her, she would stay there all day long. Although Mary created many memories over the years, she certainly reflected on life, realizing that many of those she grew up around had passed away, both family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Edna Morgan; siblings, Oscar Morgan, John Morgan, Nettie Beasley and Betty Payne, and her grandson, Curt Jones. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Betty Barnett, James Payne, Maurice Jones and Pearl Wilcher; sister, Clara Dawkins.

Mary Lena Hill Morgan Payne leaves behind a legacy of care integrity, and love. She will be deeply missed and always remembered by those fortunate enough to have shared in her remarkable life.