Nell Key Payne, 99, of Collinsville, passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023. She was born November 6, 1924 in Biggersville, Mississippi to Leslie and Verdie (Dilworth) Key. Nell grew up in Biggersville and attended the Presbyterian Church there with her family. Nell went on to attend Wood Junior College in Mathiston, Mississippi, where she received her degree in education. After graduation, she moved to Memphis, Tennessee and took a job with Tums. During WWII, she met the love of her life, William R. Payne, in Memphis, Tennessee and they wed June 11, 1946. Nell went on to be a devoted homemaker. She was dedicated to raising her four children, as they would often move around due to William’s career. Nell was a member of First United Methodist Church of Collinsville as well as the member of the Dorcas Circle. In her spare time, Nell also volunteered with meals on wheels. Nell loved her family and will be dearly missed by all.
Survivors left to cherish her memory include her children, Diane (Randy) Baer, John (Katie) Payne, Sharon (Dan) Slater and Jeff Payne; grandchildren, Lindsay (Seth) Wotherspoon, Lauren (Stephen) Lane, Allison (Suchindra) Sandhu, Ashley (Aaron) Uhl, Brittany Payne, Brooke (Travis) Campbell and Bryan Slater; great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Sam, Sydney, Caroline, Adi, Weston, Grace, Mason and Brayden. Nell was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William R. Payne and 3 sisters, Virginia, Katherine and Sara.
A private family service will be held. Interment in Lake View Memorial Gardens. Nell was a breast cancer survivor, memorial contributions can be made to Susan G. Komen for the cure or First United Methodist Church of Collinsville.
