Mary Carney Payne

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces Funeral Services for Mrs. Mary Payne, age 86 of Blairsville who passed away on Monday, May 19, 2014.

Mrs. Payne was born on Monday, January 20, 1928 in Barberton, Ohio to the late Claude Thomas Carney, Sr. and Alma (Foster) Carney. She was a Christian Lady in every sense of the term, who had a close daily walk with her Lord and Savior. She loved her church and the community. Often finding Mary and Gordon cleaning the church to provide a welcoming environment for other believers. Gifted with a heart of compassion and love, Mary devoted much of her life to raising her 7 children. Over the years, she impacted many other lives as a substitute teacher. She enjoyed Bible Study, Reading, Scrap Booking and Sunday afternoon yard or board games.

She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: sons, Donald B. Payne and Brian K. Payne; daughters & sons-in-law, Chearl & Jerry Ballew; Darlene & Wendell Murphy; Barbara & Tommy Rogers; Dianne & Dale Spivey and Annette & Ron Whitmer; brother, Claude Thomas Carney, Jr.; sisters, Doris Lewis, Janet Phillips and Judy Burkhalter; 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Many friends and other relatives also share in her legacy. She was preceded in death by: devoted husband of 60 years, Gordon Bell Payne; her parents; 8 siblings and step-mother, Verna Mae Carney.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at New Union Baptist Church with Rev. Harrison Bradley officiating. Music will be provided by New Union Baptist Church Choir. The body will lie in-state from 1:00 p.m.until the service hour. Interment will follow at the Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Kevin Payne, Levi Payne, Jerry Ballew, Jr., Stephen Ballew, David Murphy, Derek Spivey, and Keith Payne. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6 until 9 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please view Mrs. Payne's Video Tribute or send condolences to the family at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com