Gwen was born in Athens to the late Ezra Lee and Flora Spratlin Fulcher and graduated from Athens High School. Gwen lived many years in Rutledge, where she worked with the Bank of Rutledge. She moved to Watkinsville in 1983 and proceeded to work with her sister and brother-in-law at Parsons Restaurant where she became an integral part of this family business. Gwen attended Young Harris United Methodist Church and most recently Watkinsville First Christian Church. Gwen enjoyed doing needlework, including cross stitch, needlepoint and tatting and was an excellent cook.
In addition to her parents, Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Starr T. Lee, and her brother and five sisters.
Gwen is survived by her son, Richard Lee Payne, Jr. of Tifton; grandchildren, Richard Lee “Trey” Payne, III of Tifton; Bryce McKenzie Payne, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, VA; and Mary Claire Payne of Athens; great-grandchild, Levi Payne, many nieces and nephews.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, June 20, 2022, in Evergreen Memorial Park with Reverend Doug Ivey officiating.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
