Carolyn Wilson Payne

A native Houstonian, she was born on the 17th of February 1924, to Miriam Moore Wilson and Edward Clifton Wilson, Sr. She attended Lanier Middle School and Lamar High School. She received her B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

She married the love of her life, Leon Mather Payne, Sr., in 1951. Together they raised their two children, Leon Mather Payne, Jr. and Miriam “Mimi” Wilson Payne, until his sudden and unexpected death in 1972. Carolyn continued to raise her two teenage children with grace, strength and devotion. Through her own example, she instilled in them the importance of honesty, integrity and friendship. A true Southern lady, she was as beautiful on the inside as the outside. Although small in stature, her family liked to say she was a Steel Magnolia.

Her family was her greatest joy and she was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. Her selfless support, kind approach, gracious manner, courageous heart and adventurous spirit influenced her children and grandchildren in so many ways. She had a large circle of friends whom she loved dearly and treated with unwavering loyalty.

Carolyn’s faith was steadfast. A lifelong active member of First Presbyterian Church, she served on the Flower Guild and the Women of First Presbyterian. She was a member of River Oaks Garden Club, Houston Country Club, The Assembly, The Junior League of Houston, Inc., and the Tanglewood Garden Club. In addition, she was a past member of Texas Corinthian Yacht Club, served as a Docent at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and served as a Trustee of the Bayou Bend Gardens Endowment Committee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon Mather Payne, Sr.; her brother, Edward Clifton Wilson, Jr. and her sister-in-law, Mildred Meador Wilson. She is survived by her children, Leon Mather Payne, Jr. and his wife Julie, and Mimi Payne Prioleau and her husband Charlie. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, William Payne and his wife Rebecca, Mary Katharine Payne, Carolyn Prioleau, and Wilson Prioleau. They lovingly called her “Nana.”

The family wishes to thank Susan, Shad’ae and Samantha Donnell for their many years of devoted care, friendship and love. In addition, the family would like to thank Beatrice Nolasco and Reggie Hutchins for their assistance over many years.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family gathered for a private service to celebrate the life of Carolyn Wilson Payne.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Forum of Civics Foundation, 2503 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX, 77098; Houston Area Parkinson Society, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX, 77098; Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel Road, Houston, TX, 77027; or to the charity of one’s choice.