Doris Payne, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 19, 2022. She was born July 5, 1927, in Newark, N.Y., to the late Deroy Taylor and Iva Gannett Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wesley Payne; her son, Clifford Thomas Payne; sisters, Lettie Farrell and Helen Armitage Walker; her brother, Leon Taylor; and two infant brothers.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Janice (Gary) Burkhart; son, Charles (Anita) Payne; grandchildren: Daniel Payne, Seth Payne, Kara Payne-Leftwich, Jennifer Payne McCartney, Chrystie Payne, Terra Payne, Janna Payne Sells, Leslie Payne Bentley, Amy Payne, Matthew Howe, and Eric Howe; 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Doris grew up in Newark, N.Y., and graduated from Newark High School. She attended Cornell University, where she graduated with an undergraduate degree in Sociology. Post graduation she served in Wayne County, N.Y., as a social worker. Later she worked and retired from Victor Central School District, where she served as a guidance secretary for 27 years. After retirement she moved to North Carolina.

For most of Doris’s life she was known for her love of family and Christ. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt who led by example. Her steadfastness and strong will set her apart from many others. She was inquisitive and excited to learn and grow, even into her last years on earth.

To know Doris was to love her. We will all remember her contagious laugh, independent spirit, and words of wisdom that she shared with anyone willing to listen.

Upon her death, she was reunited with her husband of 63 years. Those left on earth will miss her, but we will take the generations before us, with us, wherever we go.

A visitation will be held, Friday, December 2, 2022, from 12 to 1 p.m. at Clarksbury United Methodist Church, in Harmony, N.C., funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Cliff Wall officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com for the Payne family.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family.