Mary Ellen Payne

Mary Payne of Montross, Virginia departed this life on Monday, July 11, 2022. 

Mary Ellen Payne, the fourth child of the late James and Fannie Payne, was born February 4, 1931, in Westmoreland County, VA. She departed this life on Monday, July 11, 2022, after a brief illness.

Mary Ellen Payne who is affectionately referred to as “Coonie” by her family and friends, was educated in Westmoreland County Public Schools. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Siloam Baptist Church.

Mary worked hard for a few years at the Charles Stuart Tomato Factory on Zacata Road and at the Perry Canning Factory in Leedstown. She then went on to pursue a profession in housekeeping for the families of Mr. Donald and Louise Brown, Mrs. Mary Packett, Mrs. Mary T. Sandford, Mr. Malcolm and Dorothy Scates, and Mrs. Dorothy Lewis, all of Montross, Virginia until her retirement in September, 1998.

For many years during the summer, she would take care of her nieces that came to visit her from Washington, DC, New Jersey, and Maryland. She loved watching old cowboy moves such as the Lone Ranger. Her other favorite shows were Petty Coat Junction, Green Acres, I Love Lucy, and the Beverly Hillbillies.

After Mary retired, “Coonie” kept busy babysitting her granddaughter and great-grandson. She attended church programs and willingly prepared Sunday dinners for her church when needed. She loved to bake and was known for her mouth-watering cakes. Mary also loved to watch game shows such as Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right, and shopping with her daughter, Glen.

Mary was considered the family historian. She enjoyed sharing stories from the past about how their parents raised and took care of them during the 1920-60s and how she and her siblings grew up. She took pride in showing family heirlooms, artifacts, and documents, recalling stories about each one.
She resided in Montross, VA until her health began to deteriorate. She then moved to Hague, VA to live with her daughter Glen and son-in-law, Leonard. Her soul then went peacefully to be with the Lord. She will be greatly missed.

She leaves to cherish her fond memories her daughter, Glen P. Kelly (Leonard); son, Conway Payne Sr. (Val); grandchildren: Leonard Kelly Sr., Conway Payne Jr., and Daneka Payne; great-grandchildren: Leonard Kelly Jr., Brielle Kelly, and Diamanté Clark; five sisters: Mildred P. Ashton, Laura P. Huckoby, Marjorie Payne, Rosie P. Johnson, and Doris P. Jackson (Jerald Sr.); brother-in-law, Herbert Taylor Sr.; four very special nieces: Dawn Campbell, Roshonda Johnson, Darlene Henry, and Patricia Williams; great-niece, La-Shawn Campbell; three very close nephews: James Henry, Larry Campbell, and George (Ballie) Payne Sr.; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; four very special friends: Louise (Weezie) Adams, Jerry (Harry) McDowney, Gail Brown Davis, Valerie Smith, and Missy Ashton. She raised Dawn Campbell and Roshonda Johnson.

Mary was preceded in death by her son, James P. Payne; parents, James and Fannie Payne; three sisters: Vennie P. Watson, Naomi P. Taylor, and Lou Ada P. Henry; and three brothers: Calvin Payne Sr., James Payne, and Thomas Payne.

Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 23 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Siloam Baptist Church, 1614 Zacata Road, Montross, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Siloam Baptist Church cemetery. Remains may be viewed from 10AM until service time on Saturday at Siloam Baptist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Ellen Payne, please visit our floral store.