Sara Smith Payne

Born on June 12, 1935, in Lexington County, SC, Sara was the beloved daughter of Howard and Gladys Sharpe Smith. She graduated from Swansea High School before moving to Charlotte, NC, where her life's story truly began to unfold.

In Charlotte, she met Joe Lassiter, a handsome young boxer who became her first husband. Together, they adopted their daughter, Pamela, and lovingly raised her.

Later in life, while out enjoying one of her favorite pastimes, dancing, Sara caught the eye of a young racer, William "Bill " Payne. In a moment that would become family legend, Bill asked her to dance, swept her around the waist, and they subsequently shared a life-time of love, and dance anytime they had the chance. Together, they welcomed their son, Patrick, who became the apple of their eye. Sara cherished the many memories made with her family, including her children and her grandson, Brad.

Sara was a woman of remarkable strength and work ethic, building two successful careers over her lifetime. She dedicated more than 20 years to First Union National Bank, where she worked in Consumer Loans and played a key role in developing the Customer Service Department, eventually retiring as a Manager. Never one to slow down, Sara later worked at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport as a parking cashier, where her natural warmth and curiosity shone. She delighted in meeting new people and often shared stories of the many interesting individuals who passed through her line.

A vibrant and social spirit, Sara found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved playing cards, especially with her daughter-in-law, Katja, staying active at the YMCA well into her 80s, and catching up with friends and staff alike. From her mother, she inherited a true gift in the kitchen and was known as an exceptional baker - her famous banana breads and chocolate-chocolate chip bundt cakes were favorites among all who had the pleasure of tasting them.

Sara was a longtime member of Southpark Church (aka Sharon UMC) and will be remembered as nurturing, loving, and endlessly curious. She was strong, hard-working, deeply faithful, and forthright - you always knew exactly where you stood with her. Her warmth, honesty, and zest for life left a lasting impression on everyone she met and to her delight, often belied her true age.

She is survived by her son, Patrick (Katja); her daughter, Pam Rogers; her grandson, Brad Jones; as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who enriched her life immeasurably.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Payne, and her sisters, Margaret (Bob)Balch, Lou (Erskine) Shivers, and Emily (Lloyd) Hatfield.

A celebration of Sara's life will be held in two locations. In Charlotte, services will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM at SouthPark Church, with a reception to follow. In Gaston, services will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Gaston.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or SouthPark Church in Sara's honor.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.