Velma Irene Smith Payne, age 95, of Russellville, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023.
Mrs. Payne was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Russellville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Payne; daughter, Sheila Turner; son-in-law, Horace Turner; stepson, Glenn Payne; parents, Albert & Willie Mae (Hovater) Smith; brother, E. Odum Smith; sisters, Louise Stephenson, and Evelyn Smith.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, William Payne (Susan) of Panama City Beach, FL, John Payne (Cathy) of Russellville, AL, Gentry Payne (Eloise) of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Lyell Turner, Kyell Turner, Zachery Turner, Ben Turner , Quitman Turner, Desiree Maurice, Jacob Payne, Justin Payne; 18 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Wilkilene Smith of Huntsville, AL; and several nieces & nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Knights of Pythias Cemetery with Bro. Chase Dowdy speaking at the service.
The pallbearers will be Jacob Payne, Lyell Turner, Kyell Turner, Ben Turner, Gavin Turner, Zachery Turner, Ethan Turner, and Evan Turner.
The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of Country Cottage as well as to the staff of North Alabama Hospice for your love and care shown to our family.
