Martha Bernice Payne

passed away peacefully on June 20, 2021, at the age of 76 surrounded by her family. Marty was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be dearly missed.

She was born to Oval and Elsie Sanders on October 19, 1944, in Charleston, WV. Following her graduation from Logan High School, Marty worked in Administration for the State of Ohio. After starting a family with her husband, Billie Lumar Payne, she worked as a stay-at-home mom, raising their five children and helped run the family business.

Marty was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1958 in the Atlantic Ocean. Her life was devoted to serving Jehovah God, and helping others to learn about our heavenly father through the scriptures. She was a faithful member of the Gahanna, Ohio Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 45 years. Marty imitated Jesus in the way she lived her life and set an example for others in being gracious, patient, humble, unselfish, forgiving, loyal and compassionate.

She cared deeply for her family and neighbors and enjoyed spending time together over a meal or while sharing a cup of coffee. Marty was fond of gardening and carefully tended to her flowers. She would marvel at the beauty of God’s creations and found great joy in being outdoors. Marty was an avid reader, with a vast personal library of all genre of books. She shared her love of reading with her children and taught them to never stop learning.

Martha is survived by her husband, Billie Payne, and four children: Deborah (James) Johnson of South Lebanon, Ohio; Donald (Winnie) Payne of Milford, Ohio; Dianna (Joseph) Sayre of Granville, Ohio; and Des’Aray (Ryan) Karr of Johnstown, Ohio. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert (Lena) Smith, and David Smith, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents; sisters, Wanda Smith and Connie Nelson; her son, Douglas Payne and granddaughter, Jade Payne.