Jane S. Payne

Born Billie Jane Spears in Crockett, Texas on May 24, 1927, she spent her early years in Marlin, Texas where her father was pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Her high school years were spent in California near family, and she graduated in 1944 from Hollywood High School. She then moved to Austin and earned a BA in Psychology from The University of Texas in 1948. Jane taught elementary school in Tyler, Texas before starting a family.

While at UT, she met Tyson Payne on a blind date. They married on August 28, 1948. They celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary last August. Jane was born one day before Tyson, a cause for joking throughout their rich life together. They were not only close in age but were best friends throughout their marriage. In October 1953, son David Tyson Payne was born. In October 1957, Sally Jane Payne completed their family of four.

Jane and Tyson traveled life together as partners. They had a special bond of respect and treated one another with great kindness and love. They enjoyed many years of traveling the world with Tyson’s work and rich relationships with those work friends. The years of raising children were spent in the fold of La Marque Presbyterian Church in La Marque, Texas and De Peres Presbyterian church in St. Louis, Missouri. Since returning to Austin in 1986, Jane and Tyson have been members of University Presbyterian Church.

Jane loved reading, entertaining, needlework, and, mostly, children. Her grandchildren were the light of her golden years. Jane and Tyson also spent time with a range of friend groups: ladies’ bridge and couples’ bridge, Austin Dance Club, Austin Newcomers, “Group Therapy,” ladies’ luncheon at The Four Seasons, and a supper club called Planet Austin.

Her smile and blue eyes lit up a room. Never a sweeter soul walked the earth. She told her daughter on their 50th anniversary: “My heart still skips a beat when Tyson walks into a room.” She embodied love in every way. God rest her soul.

Jane is survived by her husband, Tyson Elliott Payne, Jr. Her son David Payne (Spicewood, Texas), daughter-in-law Lee Ann and their children Lauren and Will are left to carry on “Nana’s” sense of humor and love of family. Her daughter Sally Jane Keinarth (Bastrop, Texas), son-in-law Art and their sons Payne and Jake cherish memories of “Nana” and the holidays she hosted so we could all be together, as well as countless games of Chutes and Ladders, and any other activity of interest to her grandchildren. If there were children present, Jane would be on the floor playing. Other family members who survive Jane are brother- and sister-in-law Jack and Helen Payne (Round Rock, Texas) and numerous Payne and Spears nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at University Presbyterian Church when we can gather safely.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Payne family.