A funeral service for Billie Jean Bridges Payne, 95, of Lone Oak, was held on July 31, at First United Methodist Church, Lone Oak. Bro. Robert Cook officiated under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home, Lone Oak. Serving as pallbearers were Danny Bowman, Ray Crabtree, Lester Hunt, James Hogue, Jason Smith and John Payne.
Mrs. Payne died on July 26, 2025, in Greenville. She was born on August 16, 1929, in Rusk County, to Wylie Cosper and Mary Elizabeth Wallace Bridges. She graduated as Valedictorian of Minden High School, Class of 1947. After graduation, she moved to Greenville, where she worked at Hagar Clothing. During that time she met and then married James Franklin Payne on January 7, 1949. They made their home in Lone Oak, where she would spend the rest of her life. Mrs. Payne was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Lone Oak.
She worked faithfully as a cook at Lone Oak ISD for 20 years, where she was known for her kindness, dedication, and warm presence. Her commitment to her family, church, and community left a lasting legacy.
Mrs. Payne is survived by her three sons, Otis Aron Payne and wife Deborah of Lone Oak, James Gregory Payne of Como, and Wylie Paul Payne and wife Rose of Lone Oak; two daughters, Fonda Neagle of Lone Oak and Linda June Hernandez of Grand Prairie; 12 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Payne; son, Frankie Glenn Payne; nine brothers; and one sister.
Memorials can be made to Hall Cemetery Association, c/o Betty Junkin, 220 Westward Ct., Waxahachie, Texas 75167.