Jean Payne

Jean Addison Payne ,95, of Dawsonville, GA passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at the Manor Lake Assisted Living Facility, surrounded by the soothing strains of her beloved Southern Gospel music.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Jean was born on April 13, 1930, in Toccoa, Georgia. She was an embodiment of love and kindness throughout her life, a true testament to the fruits of the spirit. She inherited her strong work ethic from her parents, Hershel and Ethel Addison, and followed in their footsteps by working in the grocery store that they owned in downtown Toccoa. Her dedication to family and community was unparalleled, a light that shone brightly wherever she went. After her early years in Toccoa, she expanded her career to larger supermarkets in Columbus before discovering her passion for baking. Alongside her best friend, Ina Eustace, she transformed her culinary talents into a successful wedding catering business, where her creations brought joy and celebration to countless couples.

Education was important to Jean, and she proudly graduated from Stephens County High School, setting the foundation for a life devoted to service and care. Her character was defined by a servant's heart, always ready to help others, whether it was preparing a meal for a neighbor in need or organizing family outings.Jean created countless cherished memories with her family. She loved taking everyone to church whenever the doors were open and loading up the car with picnic baskets for joyful days spent at the park. Family trips to amusement parks were particularly special, creating a tapestry of laughter and joy that will be treasured by her loved ones.With a vibrant spirit, Jean enjoyed square dancing with her husband, Vernor, who lovingly stood by her side for 68 wonderful years. She balanced this lively social engagement with quiet moments at home, where she loved to play games and shoot hoops with her family, always finding ways to stay connected and enjoy each other's company.Her legacy continues to flourish through her family. 

Jean is survived by her daughter, Karen Payne Ponder (Ernest) of Dahlonega, GA, and her daughter-in-law, Pam Payne of Foley, AL. Her grandchildren, Jennifer Snell (Scott), Bailey Cochran (Justin), Addison Fields (Jay), Davis Ponder (Jalen), and Britton Henley, along with her great-grandchildren, Mason Payne (Emma), Raelyn Payne, Ian Snell and Mackenzie Snell, Anniston Cochran and Lennon Cochran, Payne Fields and Lucy Fields and Tatum Ponder, will carry forward her spirit of love and joy.Jean is preceded in death by her loving husband, A. Vernor Payne, her daughter, Joyce Payne Henley, her son, William David Payne, her grandson, William David Payne II, and her brother, Deweece Addison.

As we celebrate the life of Jean Addison Payne, let us remember a woman who enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness will continue to inspire all who were touched by her gentle spirit. She will be dearly missed and forever cherished in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Family Hospice 736 Green St, NE Gainesville, GA 30501 or Alzheimer's Association.