VIENNA, Georgia - Funeral services for Velma Payne, 84, of Vienna, Georgia, were held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the House of Prayer, 2500 E Alexander, under the direction of Redmon Funeral Home.
A much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, Velma Rebecca Payne (Née Smith) transitioned peacefully from this life on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Macon, Georgia.
Born in Bolivar County on April 28, 1941, to Flenoid and Alberta Evans Smith, Velma, affectionally known as Doll, was the sixth of their 13 children. The family later moved to Greenville where Velma eventually united with Lonnie Payne Sr. and the couple had six children. Velma lived in Greenville for 74 years before moving to Georgia to be near her children.
Velma devoted herself wholeheartedly to caring for others. She was a dedicated and selfless caregiver to her husband for years before his death. Her compassion extended to other family members as well. She played a loving role in helping to create a nurturing environment for nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. An extension of her deep care for others was the way she instilled to all the importance of education. Even though her formal education was limited, she was a life-long learner and a true example of resilience in the face of adversity.
Central to Velma’s life in Greenville was Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a dutiful usher for several decades. She also cherished her close circle of friends who called themselves the Golden Girls. In these friends she found companionship, laughter, and support, and her life was truly enriched by them.
Velma moved to Vienna in the fall of 2024. She lived with her daughter Barbara and son-in-law Wilmer who served as her primary caregivers when her health declined. The loving care she received from her children and grandchildren was a reflection of the deep love she had always given to them.
Velma was predeceased by her husband, Lonnie Payne, Sr.; her firstborn child, John Payne; her grandson, Darius Devon Pardue; her niece, Becky Jean Sawyer; her parents, Flenoid and Alberta Evans Smith; and each of her siblings, Odessa Smith, Matthew Smith, Albert Smith, Flenoid Smith Jr., Willie James Smith, Joseph Smith, Josephine Sawyer, David Smith, Roosevelt Smith, Tommie Smith, Claude Smith, and Clara Smith.
Velma will forever be cherished by her children, Barbara (Wilmer) Bryant of Vienna, Michael (Maria) Payne of Acworth, Georgia, Rona (Dexter) Volley of Byron, Georgia, Kenya (Valerie) Payne of Kathleen, Georgia, and Wanda Payne of Nashville, Tennessee; her stepchildren, Eva Fox of Chicago, Illinois, Lonnie Payne Jr. of Boyle, Alberdia Williams of Boyle, Alque Payne of Chicago, and Estella (Johnny) Pegues of Denver, Colorado; her grandchildren, Marcus Payne of Bonaire, Georgia, Dexter Payne of Macon, Georgia, Courtney Payne of Acworth, Marcus (Chelsea) Bryant of Warner Robins, Georgia, Michael Payne Jr. of Sandy Springs, Georgia, Kenya Payne Jr. of Fort Worth, Texas, Kevin Payne of Fort Worth, Jazmine Payne of Macon, Christopher (Jo’De) Payne of McDonough, Georgia, Jaylen Bryant of Vienna, Maia Payne of Nashville, Shanita (Mike) Min of Marrietta, Brandon Bryant of Vienna, and Garrett Harrell, Jr. of Unadilla, Georgia; her nephew, Freddie (Sheila) Sawyer of Fayetteville, North Carolina; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Velma will always be remembered for her strength and resilience, and her legacy will live on in the love she shared and the lives she touched.
