Betty Nell Payne

Betty was born on February 1, 1939 in Eastland, Texas to parents Leona Jones and Sam Bennett Jones. Betty graduated from Eastland high school in 1957 and then moved to West Texas. She soon met the love of her life, Jerry Payne, and the two of them were married on April 2, 1958 in Carbon Texas. The couple had two children together – Terry and Missy

Betty and Jerry were active in Midland socially and as volunteers. They volunteered their time to the Optimist club, the Jaycees, the YMCA and various local sports organizations. After Jerry’s death in 1986, Betty continued to volunteer her time to Midland Memorial Hospital as a Pink Lady and she was active in The Women’s Auxiliary and other various local causes.

Betty’s professional career consisted of valued secretarial positions with oil companies, office management roles with Webb Davis Corporation and accounting and payroll duties with Mid-Tex of Midland. Not only was Betty always a trusted and dedicated employee, she was loved by her coworkers for her encouragement, sense of humor and liveliness that she brought to the workplace. Betty was also always at Jerry’s side as he owned and operated Jerry’s Barber Shop until his death.

However, Betty’s true sense of importance came from her role as a devoted mother and homemaker. She was at every school function, every game, every twirling or beauty competition, tended to every crisis and generally kept all Payne family functions running smoothly.

Betty is survived by her son, Terry and his wife, Lorri of Austin, Texas, her brother Sammy Jones of Waco and her sister, Kathie Platt of Austin. Betty is also survived by seven grandchildren. – Taylor, Lexy, Parker, Price, Jake, Melody, and Cole and six great grandchildren.

Betty is proceeded in death by her husband Jerry, her daughter Missy, her mother and father, her brother, Robert and sisters Patsy and Joy Beth.

The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, January 6 at 9 am at Ellis Resthaven Memorial, to be immediately followed by a graveside ceremony with a reception afterwards. Pallbearers will include four of her grandsons – Jake Hayes, Taylor Payne, Parker Payne and Price Payne. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Betty’s life. Flowers can be sent to Ellis Resthaven and any donations can be sent in memory of Betty Payne to Hospice of Midland or Crestview Baptist Church.