Mrs. Mace Hurt Payne

Mace was called to her eternal rest and peace on October 12, 2023. She was born in Jackson, Tennessee to Sellers and Lucille Hurt; they both preceded her in death. Her father died when she was nine years old, her mother devoted herself to raising Mace with Christian values and to make certain she received a good quality education. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and became a lifelong, faithful and dedicated member of Mother Liberty Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. As a youth she was a member of the Junior church in care of Mrs. Washington and served as a Junior usher. She also served as the youth secretary for the Sunday school department under the guidance of Mrs. Florence Ward. It was at this time her training, nurture and formation as a Christian begin; she learned how to take minutes, conduct meetings, serve the church, others, and God. When she became an adult, she sang in the choir under the direction of Mrs. Edna White and Mrs. Mae Chairs. She was secretary for the Ruth Circle of the Missionary Society for many years and served as the chairperson for the church Annual Founder’s Day Celebration on numerous occasions. Mace loved her church and always served faithfully and cheerfully. During her early childhood, she attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic Church (St. Joseph become a mission of St. Mary in 1955). She was a graduate of Merry High School, where she was a four-year member of the marching band as a majorette and the leader of the majorettes for two years. After high school, Mace attended Lane College and was a proud 1952 graduate. While attending Lane she was inducted into Beta Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She loved her sisterhood and was an avid supporter of her sorority and attended many National Conventions. Mace was honored at the sorority’s one hundredth Anniversary by being chosen as one of 22 special Delta Dears to represent the spirit of the 22 illustrious Delta Founders at the Southern Regional luncheon and banquet in Washington, D.C. in 2013 and again at the Southern Regional luncheon in Houston, Texas in 2015. After graduating from Lane College, she taught in Charleston, Missouri for six years; then in Crockett County Tennessee and finally with Jackson City School System - Jackson, TN; retiring from Alexander Elementary School in 1991. Mace was a charter member of the Rosette Club; where they assisted needy families at Christmas and provided care baskets to the hospital throughout the year, these acts of kindness was a special passion for her. Mace earthly life personified the essence of Matthew 25:35-40. She was compassionate and generous with her talents, time and resources. Her spirit exemplified love, joy, peace patience, kindness generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. She loved God and her neighbor. Mace met and married the love of her life, Andrew J. (Jack) Payne in 1953. They had one precious son, Aubrey Jackson Payne. They both proceeded her in death. Mace leaves to cherish her memories Jessica the Mason family, Lillian Holmes, a host of loving cousins that were dear to her heart, best friends Neola Sardon & Mary Campbell, Special Sorority Sister Jeanette Henning, caring friends Reba Poe, Eartha Grimes and friends. …….

Mrs. Mace Hurt Payne

February 27, 1930 - October 12, 2023