Anna Payne Powell

Anna was born Anna Moody Howard in Pineville, KY, to her parents Moody A. and Margaret Broughton Howard on June 18, 1954. Her mother moved to Brunswick, GA, in 1960 bringing Anna and her sister Mary and brother John. Margaret worked in the legal profession and then moved the family to Jekyll Island, where she managed several motels – The Buccaneer, Wanderer and Carriage Inn. Anna developed a love for soul music and dancing thanks to major entertainers who appeared on Jekyll such as Percy Sledge, BB King, Otis Redding and Clarence Carter to name a few.

Her mother later took on the job of running a major hotel in Lafayette, LA, where Anna graduated from Redemptorist High School after growing up through local elementary and Glynn Academy. She attended college for three years at LSU-Monroe before moving to Atlanta with her mother. It was there that she decided to embark on a career as a Flight Attendant with American Airlines.

That was an exciting phase of her young life as she lived in Dallas, TX, and then New York City where she and her friend (Dora Sewell) enjoyed the experiences together such as night life at Club 54. She went back to Atlanta and met Ronald Payne and they married shortly thereafter, living in Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, and then Dublin, GA. They raised two children while in Dublin and later in Macon, GA – Ronald Payne II and John Payne along with stepdaughter Nicole Payne. The boys blessed Anna with two grandsons – Hugh (Ron II and Sarah) and Harrison (John and Amy).

Ron Payne I ran Farmers Furniture Company and both Ron and Anna became active in Georgia politics as well as contributing to many aspects of the Dublin, GA, community. They later moved to Macon, GA, where both boys graduated from First Presbyterian Day school. Both boys went on to college and now work in Macon in their respective careers.

Ron Payne I passed in October of 2014 due to heart condition. J. Michael Powell was living on St Simons Island when he lost his wife to cancer in November 2014. A mutual friend felt time was right to introduce the two in February 2015 and a loving relationship grew quickly. Mike and Anna married on Sea Island January 2, 2016. Anna and Mike continued to maintain two homes (Macon and Hawkins Island) and developed mutual relationships in both communities. All the children – Ron Payne II(Macon ), John Payne (Macon), Nicole (Nashville, TN) and Michelle Carreker (Mike’s daughter from previous marriage lives in Dallas, TX) have been loving and supportive of the Anna and Mike relationship.

Anna is known for her inward beauty as well as stunning outward beauty. She knew that Jesus was her savior and will live in God’s hand forever. Her compassion and concern for others was remarkable and acknowledged by all who knew her. Anna loved her dogs.

Anna’s living siblings are her sister Mary Howard (Satilla River, GA) and brother John Howard (Gray, GA).

A celebration of life service will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Wesley Church of Frederica, located at 6520 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, with reception to follow. There will be an additional service at 1pm on Monday, June 16, 2025 at Ingleside Baptist Church, located at 834 Wimbish Road, Macon GA 31210, followed by burial at Riverside Cemetery, located at 1301 Riverside Drive, Macon, GA 31201.

Contributions to the American Cancer Society are appreciated by the family.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home of Brunswick, GA have been entrusted with final arrangements.