Betty Sue Payne

Visitation will be 9:00-10:30am, Monday, August 17, 2015 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Graveside services will follow at 11:00am in Floral Hills Memory Gardens.

Betty was born Monday, November 23, 1942 in Braxton, a daughter of the late Earlie Nichols and Beatrice Womack Nichols. She was a 1960 graduate of Pearl High School where she was voted “Most Beautiful” during her senior year, and she attended Grandview Baptist Church in Pearl for many years.

A single mother for several years, she met a single father, Carl Payne, Sr., and they married and became a blended family of seven. While raising their busy family, Betty and Carl often hosted parties for friends at their home on Jacquelyn Drive in Flowood. Together, they overcame the devastation of the flood of 1979 which destroyed everything in their home, including the house itself. Determined to stay there, the house was rebuilt and Betty resided there until 2005 when she moved to Brandon. Tragically, Carl passed away at the early age of 51. Betty and her children always felt that Carl was the Lord's greatest blessing to them.

A devoted wife and mother, Betty’s greatest joy was found in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a great cook and loved to make huge holiday meals and have her family gathered at her home. Her cakes, pies, and especially her fried chicken were favorites of everyone. Betty also enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren while her sons and daughters were working.

In addition to the untimely death of her husband, Betty also lost her son, Carl Payne, Jr. But Betty was tough, with an independent spirit, and she always bounced back strong after traveling a long, hard road in life.

Betty had a witty sense of humor and always had a funny remark for any subject raised in conversation, especially by her daughters-in-law, who often didn't find her remarks as funny as others did. She enjoyed sitting on the back porch, visiting with friends and family, and could often be heard saying, "Oh my word!".

Betty will be missed by all, especially when it comes to calling mom for cooking instructions.

Survivors include sons, David Williamson (Polly) and Eddie Williamson (Beth); daughters, Sandra Russell and Carla Odom (Darrell); sister, Barbara Dixon (Charles); 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.