Marilyn Smith Payne

Marilyn graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in education. She taught Kindergarten and First Grade for more than four decades. Her passion was the reading recovery program and teaching students how to read. When not teaching, she took pride in taking care of her family. Marilyn loved to watch old movies, especially old westerns, home renovation shows, especially Home Town, murder mystery TV shows, any Ina Garten cooking show, and depending on the season could be found cheering on the Houston Astros, or the Houston Texans. After retiring she enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes. Marilyn also enjoyed spending time with friends and family, gardening, and watching the birds from her back porch.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Marie Smith as well as her uncle, Herman Smith.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, David Payne. Her sons; Derrick (Cheryl) Payne of The Woodlands, Jonathan (Jamie) Payne of Richmond. Grandchildren; Brittany Valdez, Toren Payne, Thomas Payne, and Bella Payne.

A Celebration of Marilyn Payne’s life will take place at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (2535 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX 7758) on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 2:00pm officiated by Rev. David Nelson. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Restwood Funeral Home in Clute, TX (1038 W. Plantation Dr. Clute, TX).