Thelma Payne

Thelma Lanier Payne, 90, of Terrell, formerly of Cherryville and Belmont, died July 8, 2013 at her residence. Thelma was born July 1, 1923 in Gaston County a daughter of the late Lee and Blanche Hutchins Lanier. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Cherryville and the North Carolina Education Association, a Masters graduate of Winthrop University, taught Home Economics in Gaston County Schools until 1966, became Child Nutrition Director in 1966 until her retirement in 1993 at Newton Conover Schools.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Samuel Taylor Payne in 2005, a daughter, Karla Payne a sisters, Katherine Lanier.

Survivors include a son Samuel David Payne (Cyndi) of Charlotte, a daughter, Karen Lynn Payne of
Terrell, a grandson, Christian Taylor (Sara) Syracuse, NY, a sister Etheline Freeman, niece Judy Patterson (Kenneth), nephew, John Freeman (Paula) and son Jeff, nieces Terry Bell and Pat Eaker and families. Devoted caregivers, Peach Singer, Renee Moose, Wendy Magaro,Geneve Sherrill. The family would also like to thank, Palliative Care Center Hospice staff, Phillip Guyens, Elizabeth Arditti and Lacey Turner.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, Cherryville, July 13, 2013 at 2:00 PM with Dr. Eric Childers and Rev. Ron Fink officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Carpenter's Funeral and Cremations Services from 12:30 - 1:30 PM.

Memorials may be made to Palliative Care Center Hospice, 7473 Sherrills Ford Road, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673.

Condolences may be made to www.carpentersfuneralhome.net