Stephanie Lou Payne

With great sorrow and sadness we announce the passing of Stephanie Payne of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Stephane died suddenly on Thursday morning November 2, 2023 at the age of 59. Faithfully finishing her race and to be home with the Lord.

Stephanie was born in Memphis Tennessee on September 1st 1964 and was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Rose Lemonds of Kennett, Missouri. Stephanie and her husband Allen were married on May 26, 1984 in Campbell, Missouri and this was their 40th year of marriage. Stephanie served as a military spouse from Germany to Georgia. Stephanie and Allen served as Independent Baptist missionaries in Wales, United Kingdom for 10 years.

Her final place of service was at First Baptist Church of Peaceful Valley for nearly 20 years as pastor’s wife, church secretary, counselor, servant and beloved friend to many. Her death has shocked all who knew her and she will be sorely missed.

Stephanie is survived by her husband Allen of Colorado Springs, sons Joshua of North East Maryland, Jared of Bowling Green Virginia and Justin of Colorado Springs Colorado. Grandchildren, Tristin, Troy and Tucker of North East Maryland, Reagan and Colin of Bowling Green Virginia and Seren and soon to be born Isabel of Colorado Springs Colorado. Stephanie is survived by one sister Venetia (Lemonds) Currey of Kennett, Missouri.

Stephanie accepted Christ as savior on July 28, 1976 at Calvary Baptist Church in Campbell Missouri as a result of the bus ministry. Stephanie graduated from Holcomb High School with perfect attendance and was nominated to the who’s who of high school students in 1982.

Upon graduation she attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro Arkansas majoring in radio and television broadcasting. She met her soon to be husband through a family friend in Kennett Missouri in 1984 while he was serving in the US Army in Germany.

They were married on May 26, 1984 at Calvary Baptist Church Campbell, Missouri, Pastor Clifford Rice officiating. The wedding on Saturday and moved to Germany the following Monday to begin their new life together.

Stephanie served as a Sunday school teacher and Christian school teacher at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Aschaffenburg, West Germany. Upon leaving Germany and her husband being stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia she attended the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Stephanie was a Sunday school teacher and taught kindergarten and first grade at Lighthouse Christian Academy.

Stephanie served as a missionary pastor’s wife in Wales, UK along side her husband for 10 years. One of the highlights of her life in the United Kingdom was meeting Queen Elizabeth II on her Golden Jubilee tour in Wales. Their son Justin was selected to give the queen flowers with a gospel tract inside it. On April 9th 2004 she assumed the role of pastor’s wife at First Baptist Church of Peaceful Valley and faithfully served until her tragic death.

Stephanie had numerous friends and never met a stranger. Stephanie had a long distance childhood friend Benice Cannon of Kennett, Missouri to which she would stay on the phone for hours and reminisce about old times and planning class reunions.

Stephanie had a close friend and prayer partner Janice Titus of Colorado Springs. Stephanie and Janice would spend hours talking and sometimes crying after church. Helping and encouraging others came with her personality with no time limits attached.

Stephanie was more than a wife, she was a friend. Through all the ups and downs of family, church ministry and church members she remained faithful until her sudden and tragic death.

Her favorite verse of Scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.