Mrs. Emily Mitchell Payne, age 69, of Jefferson, formerly of Lavonia, died Thursday, September 24, 2009 at Athens Regional Medical Center.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mrs. Payne was born March 17, 1940 at home in Lavonia, she was the daughter of the late Clyde "Jimmy" and Grace Marett Mitchell. She had a degree in business and worked in accounting for many years. While living in Lavonia she was very active with Lavonia First Baptist Church Choir. Mrs. Payne was a member of Jefferson First Baptist Church.
She is survived by husband: Joe Payne of the home; daughter: Marilyn Payne Smith of Signal Mountain, TN; son: Joe Payne, Jr. of Atlanta; sisters: Janice Shirley of Lavonia and Karen Rainer of Tifton; brother: Ken Mitchell of Macon; grandchildren: Ashley Renee Payne, Christian Summer Smith, Hunter Robin Smith, and Nicholas Sean Smith; a number of nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Helms, Dr. Larry Finger, and Rev. Richard Bielski officiating. Burial will follow in Lavonia City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at their respective homes.