Mary Kate Payne

She was born on October 30, 1988, in Atlanta, GA to William Jeffrey Ward and Nancy Leigh Kay Ward.

Along with her parents, Mary Kate is survived by her husband, Ben Payne; children, Davis Payne, Henry Payne, and Marvin Payne; siblings, Richie Krauss (Margaret), Jaime Foley (Jess), Scott Ward (Jesslin), Alex Ward, and Kevin Ward (Jerrica); as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mary Kate was a 2008 graduate of Woodland High School. She received her associate degree from Georgia Highlands College and her bachelor’s degree in history from Kennesaw State University. Mary Kate was a member of Cartersville First Baptist Church.

She enjoyed the opportunity to work as an Emergency Room CNA as well as an elementary school paraprofessional, but her largest and most fulfilling role was being a mom. Her love for children not only led her into the classroom, but also to many years of working with kids in “The Nest” at Cartersville First Baptist Church. She loved spending time with Ben and the boys, hiking, geocaching, and providing them with home-cooked meals.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120.

A Celebration of Mary Kate’s Life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the Lottie Moon Chapel of Cartersville First Baptist Church with Bro. Danny Barker officiating. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Richie Krauss, Kevin Ward, Scott Ward, Alex Ward, Jeff Ward, and Kevin Pate will serve as pallbearers.