Having fought the good fight, finishing the race and steadfastly keeping the faith, Frances (Fran) Buttross Payne was called to her heavenly home in the early morning hours of August 2nd 2025. She passed peacefully with Anne, Howard and her grand dog Remy at her side. Born in Canton, Mississippi on August 8th, 1934 she was the eighth and final child born to David and Freida Buttross. A first generation American, her parents immigrated from Lebanon to pursue the American dream. Her father had a dry goods store and her mother worked along side him in building the business as well as raising their family. It was a home rooted in hard work, love of family and the Catholic faith.
Fran graduated from Canton High School and after a brief time at Milsaps and LSU – she graduated from St. Mary’s Dominican College in New Orleans where she earned a degree in clinical nutrition. She worked at Charity Hospital and then at the VA both in New Orleans. It was during this time she met Travis Payne who would later become her husband in 1963. She would often say, “He was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Travis was a mechanical engineer and his career took them to Huntsville, AL, then to Vero Beach Fla. and ultimately to Atlanta, Ga. They settled in Jonesboro, a suburb of Atlanta. It was here that Fran made some of her closest and dearest friends. She was active in a variety of organizations – the Legion of Mary at St. John the Evangelist church, Junior Service League of Jonesboro, Historical Jonesboro, Meals on Wheels, and she was a regular volunteer at St. John’s School where Anne attended. Fran loved to entertain, and she was an accomplished home chef. She created a warm and happy home for her family and friends – there was always room at the table and something delicious to eat when she was in the kitchen – her domain. After 35 years in Jonesboro she and Travis moved to Sandy Springs to be closer to Anne and Howard. They were warmly welcomed in their new neighborhood of Westfield Park and by the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA).
Fran was a loving and faithful wife, mother and mother-in law and a devoted Catholic until the end. A treasured friend and trusted mentor, she possessed a wit and wisdom that touched many people over the years. Fran loved life and living and took great pleasure in traveling, reading, and trying new recipes and cuisines. Her greatest joy, though, was spending time with her family and friends, often with a glass of wine. Throughout her life she would often say, “You only go this way once, and if you do it right, once is enough.” Well done Mom, well done.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents David and Freida, her husband Travis and her sister Martha Feaheny , brother-in-law William Feaheny, and her brothers and sisters-in-law Joseph (Yvonne), Edward, Alphonse (Helen), Peter (Waddad), Ernest (Mariam) and David. She is survived by her daughter Anne Elizabeth Payne-Schutte and her son-in-law Howard Schutte, extended family the Carrolls (Chris, Heather, Nolan, Ethan) Autumn Schutte, Justin Schutte and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
We would like to express special thanks to Mom’s loving care givers: Clara, Tania, Simi, Elizabeth, Nounouche, Tesha, Kathy S. and Kathy L., Jane and the care team from Amedisys Hospice, especially Christina and Jana.
Visitation will be held at H. M. Patterson Arlington Chapel on Friday, August 15th from 4-7 PM. A rosary will be recited at 6:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church on August 16th at 1 PM followed by internment at Arlington Memorial Park.
Donations may be made to EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) or The Center for Visual Impairment, Atlanta.
