Mary Payne

Mary Johnston Payne went peacefully to her heavenly home on June 17, 2010. Certainly, Mary spent all 86 years of her life enjoying every moment and loving wholeheartedly. Mary was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on September 17, 1923 to Andrews Walfred and Mildred Richardson Johnston. She later attended Texas Tech University, where she majored in music and graduated at the top of her class. While teaching in Austin, Mary was introduced to her future husband and love of her life, B. William Payne Bill by her brother R. Bruce Johnston and his future wife and Bills sister, Peggy Payne. Family was precious to Mary. Known to her loved ones as Mother or Meme, Mary will be dearly missed and greatly treasured in the hearts of her many family members.

Spending the majority of her life in Abilene, Texas, Mary became an active member of First Central Presbyterian Church. As she sang in the choir, directed the junior choir, became the youth group director, and served as a deacon and Stephen Minister, Mary praised the Lord in all she did. Indeed, Mary was a gifted musician, caring friend, loving wife, blessed mother, dear grandmother, and a devoted servant of the Lord.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband B. William Payne, and also her brother Richard W. Johnston and his wife Dorothy. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Payne Clay and her husband Jim Clay, her son John Payne and his wife Laura Payne, her son Jim Payne and his wife Terry Payne, her twelve grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 9 AM on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South, followed by a memorial service at 10 AM at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange St.

Memorials may be sent to First Central Presbyterian Church Choir Fund, 400 Orange St, Abilene, TX 79601, or Christian Homes and Family Services, 1202 Estates Drive, Abilene, TX 79602.

Service

Graveside Service

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Saturday, June 19, 2010
9:00 AM

Memorial Service

First Central Presbyterian Chruch
400 Orange Street
Abilene, TX  79601
Saturday, June 19, 2010
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

400 Orange Street
Abilene, TX  79601