Rebecca Payne

Obituary For Rebecca Payne

Our mother, Rebecca Smith Payne, made her transition from this earthly life on March 4, 2020. She was born in Marlboro County (Blenheim), SC, a daughter of the late Hannah Mae Norwood and Jack Smith, Sr. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Charmaine Steele; four sisters, Mazuria Eaddy, Martha Bailey, Mary Wilson and Easter Rivers. Rebecca lived in High Point, NC most of her life and attended William Penn High School and Trinity High School. She was united in marriage to Richard D. Payne, and to this union three daughters were born: Michelle Yuvette Payne, Devona Lynette Payne and Tammy Charmaine Steele. Our mother joined the United States Air Force (USAF), where she served for more than 20 years, traveling the world and being recognized for her excellence in service alone the way. After retiring from the USAF, Rebecca went on to work at WalMart in Fort Walton Beach, FL for more than 15 years, where she was a valued team member and loved by all who knew her until she retired. In 2014, our mother returned to High Point, NC to be near her family. Our mother lived her life unapologetically full of laughter and love. Our mother leaves behind to cherish her memories: her two daughters, Michelle (Richard) Moore of Kernersville, NC and Devona Lynnette Payne of High Point, NC; six grandchildren, Andre, Brittany, Justin, Darrius, Jasmine and Shaniya; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jack Smith of Durham, NC and James Smith of Lillington, NC; her best friend in life, Ms. Peggy Hill; nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly; other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service Inc.