Carolyn Sue Payne

She was born in Tipton, Missouri in 1946 to Mildred Newkirk and Pete Newkirk. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri in the East Bottoms where she lived with Mildred, and sisters Juanita and Beverly, and brother Snookie. Carolyn attended Northeast High School, before going to work at Yellow Freight. As an adult she obtained a BS in Social Psychology from Park University, and a MA in Gerontology from Central Missouri University. She worked as a Gerontologist at The Groves (assisted living/nursing home), and as a Social Worker at Hocker Heights community in Independence. Her calling in life was to support and encourage others.

Carolyn was passionate about many areas in social welfare including women’s rights, as a mentor for over 5 years with Youth Friends in Independence School District, support and education for welfare families, and those in marginalized positions. Carolyn had a strong spiritual faith and enjoyed practicing Transcendental Meditation and attending services at Unity Church. As a lifelong creative, she found a passion for oil painting after taking courses as an adult.

Carolyn was preceded in death by Kale Payne (spouse), Mildred Johnson (mother), Vincent Archie Carey Jr. (brother), and Juanita Qualls (sister); and is survived by daughters Laura Payne (Lawrence), Daryl Lawrence (spouse), and children Kale, Grayson, and Taylor Lawrence. Natalie Payne (Turnbow), Jerrod Turnbow (spouse), and children Jonah and Madelyn Turnbow.

Donations to The Salvation Army and/or the Missouri WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program would be greatly appreciated.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 4th, 2025 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm with a memorial service to be held immediately after at 6:00pm, located at Newcomers Noland Road Chapel, 509 S. Noland Road, Independence, MO 64050.