Nina Jean Payer, born April 23, 1935, to Denver and Willie Freeman in Russellville, Alabama, passed away on April 6, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama, at the age of 89.
Nina was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and aunt. She went to high school in Hammond, Indiana, where she met the love of her life, Michael Payer. They were married on December 27, 1958, and shared a beautiful marriage that lasted 59 years until his passing. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure and a strong foundation for family.
Nina graduated from Florence State Teacher’s College in 1957. She worked diligently as a teacher while Michael was in dental school, and after his graduation, they moved to Huntsville to settle down and raise their family. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Mickey and Scott Payer, whom she loved fiercely and unconditionally. Nina always dressed beautifully, loved to travel, enjoyed shopping, and had an incredible talent for finding the most thoughtful gifts for those she cared about. Her greatest passion, however, was her love for her sons: Mickey and Scott Payer.
A true Southern woman with strong Christian values, Nina was a member of Mayfair Church of Christ. She cherished the friendships she formed over the years, many of which spanned decades, and she was known for her kindness, grace, and generosity.
Nina is survived by her two sons, Mickey Payer and Scott Payer; her sisters, Janice Bell (Timothy) and Carol Albright; four nieces; and several great-nieces, great-nephews, and a great-great-nephew. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Michael Payer.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at 12:30 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rainbow Omega, PO Box 740, Eastaboga, AL 36260.
Nina’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
