Venie Payne

Venie Lee Martin Payne of Trussville, Alabama, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 20, 2013 at the age of 91. She is preceded in death by her husband, H.B. Payne, and grandson, Marty Payne. She is survived by her children, Mary Alice Morales (Juan); Arthur Payne (Debbie); Charles Payne (Linda); John Payne (Sally), Paula Hopton-Jones (Eddie); grandchildren, Lee Ellen Hunter (Blake), Mark Payne (Theresa); Pam Smith (Paul); Laura Holley (Jeff); Brian Payne (Keri); Wendy Mann (Casey); Payne Hopton-Jones, and eleven great-grandchildren. Mrs. Payne was born in Trussville, Alabama, where she was a life-long resident. She was a graduate of Hewitt High School and attended Howard College. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Trussville, where she was an active member of the Women's Missionary Union (WMU) for many years. She was a member of the Trussville Order of Eastern Star Golden Rule Chapter #6 for 64 years, and was Worthy Matron for five terms and a Past Grand Representative of Arkansas in Alabama in 1994-96. She received the Certificate of Merit for Alabama Mother of the Year in 1980. She was recognized as Woman of the Year by the Trussville Civitan Club for 1977-78. She was past President for the State of Alabama United Daughters of the Confederacy and was a current member of the Trussville Historical Society. She led the Trussville Historical Board in an endeavor to erect a memorial to honor all veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The memorial was very dear to her heart because she wanted to honor her husband, a World War II veteran, as well as veterans of all wars. She was active in all phases of her life in the Trussville community especially in those that involved her children such as the PTA, Band Boosters and Athletic Boosters. She was awarded the Trussville Chamber of Commerce "Gatekeeper Award" on February 9, 2013, for her many contributions to her community. She was a loving wife and mother to her children and many other children in Trussville and always put the needs of others before her own. Visitation and funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Trussville, 128 N. Chalkville Road, 35173, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 with visitation at 12 noon until 2:00 PM and funeral services at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Trussville Golden Rule Chapter #6, OES, c/o 6205 Emerald Forest Drive, Pinson, AL 35126 or the First Baptist Church of Trussville. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.