Melissa Hayes Payne, age 54, a lifelong resident of Lawrenceburg, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at her residence.
Melissa was born on July 22, 1969, in Lawrenceburg, the daughter of Travis Adkins and the late Joyce Darlene Redden Adkins. She graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1987 and dedicated 20 years of her life to working for Walmart, where she served as a manager before her retirement. One of her passions in life was collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, a hobby that brought her much joy. She was of the Christian faith.
Affectionately known as “Mama” by those who had the privilege of knowing her, Melissa will be deeply missed by all who were touched by her warm spirit and kindness.
She is survived by her father, Travis Adkins, and her daughters, Macy Hayes and Emily Payne, all of Lawrenceburg. Melissa is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Macarria Hayes and Destyni Hayes.
The family would like to share this scripture. Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.
