Jewel W. Payne, 89, died Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 at Morningside Assisted Living in Gastonia, NC. Jewel was a long-time resident of Charlotte, NC, but it was during her 6-year struggle with Alzheimer’s she became a resident of Morningside.
Jewel was born in Kingsport, Tennessee on December 19, 1931 to John & Roxie White. She was pre-deceased by her parents and siblings: Marion (Buddy) White, Joyce Faulkner, Joan Campbell, Alice Hinson, Jerry White, Wanda Miller, Johnny White and Hazel Young.
Jewel moved to Winston Salem, NC as a teenager where she met her husband, Ernest Payne, who also pre-deceased her August 25, 1984.
As a teen Jewel started her work life with Walgreens. She was a very industrious young woman with a tremendous work ethic and an eagerness to learn.
After her marriage the couple moved to Charlotte, where they had their daughter, Barbara “Genelle” Payne, who pre-deceased her February 6, 2009.
Jewel attended Kings Business College and subsequently worked for Sealtest Dairy, Kraft Foods and Phillip Morris where she ultimately retired. One of Jewel’s favorite events of the year was the annual Sealtest reunion. Jewel acquired her real estate license becoming a realtor for a number of years.
After retirement from the corporate world Jewel became the church secretary at Westmoreland Baptist Church where she continued until she was 74.
Jewel was a deeply committed Christian and served faithfully at Mulberry Baptist Church in Charlotte. Her commitment to God and her faith carried her throughout her life. She volunteered at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), as she believed strongly in their mission.
Jewel is survived by her niece and devoted care-giver Judy Morris, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would especially like to thank Carol from Morningside for her kindness, concern and support during these years. Memorials may be made to NAMI, the Alzheimer’s Association or Gaston Hospice.
A private graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 12th with a memorial service sometime in the future. Forest Lawn West Funeral Home and Cemetery will serve the family. Condolences may be left at www.forestlawnwest.com.
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