Memorial services for Nancy "Louise" Vinson Payne, 96, of Cornelia, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Demorest Baptist Church with the Rev. John Kinsey officiating. A private family interment will be held at Yonah Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Payne went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019.
Born Feb. 2, 1923, in Habersham County, she was the daughter of the late James and Nellie Waldrip Vinson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, J Bunyon Payne; and all her siblings, being the last of her immediate family.
Mrs. Payne retired from Cornelia Electrical and Plumbing after many years of service alongside her husband. After high school and into her early 20's she was one of the star players of the Lorlei Ladies, which was a professional ladies basketball team in Atlanta. Her late husband would often jokingly say "She was the only player that could be in two places at once on the court." Louise, known as "Ma-Ma" to her grandchildren was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was a very humble and selfless woman with a heart full of love for everyone.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and David Humphrey of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Tara Ward of Auburn, and Jill McGee Torres of Atlanta; great-grandchildren, Brett Mixon of Grafton, Wisconsin, Courtney Ward of Demorest, Kaylie Ward of Auburn, and Elena Torres of Atlanta; one great-great-grandchild, Olive Mixon of Grafton, Wisconsin; and a large extended family.
Those wishing to express online condolences, may do so by visiting whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, Demorest.