Nancy Louise Payne

Nancy Louise Payne passed away peacefully at home on January 24, 2026, from complications of Parkinson's Disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. and Anne M. Cook and brother David F. Cook. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, R. Dwight Payne and her daughters Kathryn Anne Payne (Bryan Dresser) of Erie, CO and Mary Ellen Payne of Washington, DC. along with numerous loving cousins.

Nancy was born in Evergreen Park, IL, in 1945. She was a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a B.S. and M.S. in Education. She taught elementary school in Illinois, in Augsburg Germany with the Department of Defense, where she met her husband, Dwight (a Richmond native) and later in Chesterfield County.

In addition to her undivided love and support for her daughters and husband's many activities, Nancy enjoyed engaging with family, friends, and people (Meals on Wheels, Tennis, Bridge, Reunions, Skiing, Holiday Get-Togethers and Tailgates). Her passion in life was travel. Nancy's teaching in Germany facilitated her curiosity to explore local cultures and sights on her own as opposed to formal tours. Her detailed research of sights, accommodations and eateries was unparalleled. She led family and friends on trips to Europe, China, Japan, Korea and Canada. She inspired many others to travel. She especially loved Germany and Austria, and visiting relatives in Italy and Ireland.

A memorial service will be held at St. Edwards Catholic Church on February 21, 2026, at 11am with a reception to follow at Stonehenge Golf and Country Club, 1000 Farnham Drive.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Power over Parkinson's PO Box 306 Manakin Sabot VA 23103 and Chapters Hospice 10330 Staples Mill Rd Glen Allen VA 23060.

Nancy's family would like to thank her devoted caregiver team Vanessa Jee, Griselda Thompson, Monique Cornish, Veronica Tracy and Shimere Mells, along with the Chapters Hospice Team.