Floriene Elizabeth Payne

Betty was born to William Newt and Velma (Asher) Dunlap in Thornton, Texas on October 15, 1925. She was a longtime resident of Waco. Betty married the love of her life, Sgt. George Payne on June 8, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas. After World War II, Betty and George moved to Waco. Her career was in health care and hospital administration. She served in clerical and administrative positions at Providence Hospital, Hillcrest Hospital, and Brazos Psychiatric Hospital, holding leadership positions in personnel and human resources. For many years she served as primary care giver for George. After George’s death, she enjoyed time with her sons and family, and traveling in the United States and Canada. Her life reflected her Christian faith and devotion to her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Payne on December 11, 2001, after 58 years of marriage; brother, Howell G. Dunlap; sister, Mildred Jeanne Townsend.

She is survived by her sons, George Payne (Jr.), Jerry W. Payne; George’s wife, Suzanne Bryant Payne, and their children, Eric Bryant Payne and Lauren Payne; Eric’s wife, Spring Bailey Payne, and their children, Bailey Bryant Payne and Riley Ty Payne; Jerry’s daughter, Heather Payne Crow, and husband, Michael, and their children Mason, Michaela, and Meridith; nieces and nephews, Candace Townsend, Howell Dunlap, Billy Dunlap, and Betsy Dunlap Thomas.

Betty’s family expresses their deepest appreciation and love to Dianne and Leroy Bates, for their love and countless hours of service and care to Betty; to Dominique Salajean and her family for their love and personal care of Betty; to the administration, staff and employees of Regent Care Center for their faithful care of Betty during her residence there; and to Bluebonnet Hospice for its care and services to Betty.