Patsy (Olive) Payne

She grew up in Durham County, NC and recounted that one of the most enjoyable parts of her life was as a preteen and teenager when, in the summer, she visited an aunt on a farm and worked in the tobacco fields. At the age of sixteen she began working in the Documents Department of Duke University Library.

Patsy attended public schools in Durham County before attending and graduating from Duke University, class of 1951. While at Duke, she competed in fencing, was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

After graduation, Patsy began a nearly four-decade career as a schoolteacher. Initially teaching in Currituck County, she later taught in Gaston County, Greensboro and ultimately Charlotte-Mecklenburg where she retired from Albemarle Road Junior High in 1989. By example she taught respect of God, of self and of others. This was as important to her as the teaching of mathematics.

Patsy made numerous friends from her host of co-workers with many becoming lifelong friends. Upon retirement, Patsy enjoyed volunteering in a variety of different capacities. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, was a Stephen Minister, and assisted a non-sighted friend for over a decade by escorting her around town and to out of state conventions for the National Federation of the Blind. Patsy also enjoyed leading a ‘Companions in Christ’ Bible study group at her home, as well as Wesley United Methodist Church.

Patsy loved her family and cherished spending Labor Day weekends at Ocean Isle Beach with her extended family. She loved hearing about the latest travels and adventures from her siblings, nieces, nephews and later her grand-nieces and grand-nephews. And all delighted in recounting tales of her wearing the infamous “pink bathing suit” from years gone by. And more years than not, she teased of bringing it out of retirement.

In addition to her parents, Patsy was preceded in death by her five siblings: John Worth Olive, Billy Brown Olive, Julian Gray Olive, Betsy Ann Olive and Charlotte Olive Hallberg. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Michael Payne, and daughter-in-law, Carol Lingle Payne. Left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Wesley Payne, and her daughter, Pamela Payne. She also leaves behind a sister-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews and her many friends. Patsy was a delight to be around, and she left her community a far better place for her being a part of it.

A service to celebrate the life of Patsy Payne will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Pineville United Methodist Church, 110 S. Polk St., Pineville, NC. The family will receive friends following the service.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider Patsy’s favorite organization, Charlotte Rescue Mission, or any organization of one’s choice.

Condolences may be left at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.