Jeanne Payne

She was born on October 15, 1928, in Tulia, Texas to C.T. and Hazel Caraway. In 1946, Jeanne married her love, C. Ray Payne and spent the next 57 years as his “gal.” They were members of First Baptist Church. Jeanne was a life-long nurse and spent many years with Dr. Ed Mickle before retiring from Midland Memorial Hospital in 1993. Jeanne and Ray lived several places during their early marriage, but Midland was their forever home. Through Jeanne’s years in West Texas, her sister Linda Caraway was not only her best friend, but became her gardener, chauffer, confidant, lunch partner and travel companion. Jeanne loved the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Cubs (World Series Champion 2016), Women’s Basketball (especially UT), NASCAR, Jeff Gordon and Tom Landry. We all knew when to call or drop by so that we wouldn’t interfere with her teams!

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray, brothers Glenn and James Caraway, and great-grandsons Jackson Glen and Tyler Ray Light.

She is survived by her sons Kenneth Payne and his wife Deb, Robert Payne and his wife Gail, and daughter Kay Garrett, along with Jeanne’s brother Dale Caraway and her sister Linda Caraway, as well as sisters-in-law Betty Ruth Caraway and Connie Caraway and many nieces and nephews. The joys of her life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Margaret Payne, Diana Payne Light and her husband Kirk, Jennifer Payne Thompson and her husband Ted, Allen Payne and his wife Marisa, Shane Bell, Josh Bell and his wife April, Trenton Thompson, Grant Payne, Brayden Light, Audrey Payne and Lexi Light.

Jeanne’s family takes comfort in knowing she waits for us in Heaven, whole and free of pain, where we will see her again. She loved all and all that knew her greatly loved her in return.

There will be a celebration of Jeanne’s life at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA.com) or a charity of your choice.