With sorrow and rejoicing, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sarah Mildred Graham Payne, who went to her heavenly home on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the age of 102.

Mildred was born on August 15, 1922, in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, to James Pope Graham and Mabel Bell Graham of Comer, Georgia. In November of 1939, she married Joel Daniel Payne, and together they had three children: Raybon Payne (deceased), Brenda Norris (Dahlonega), and Roger Payne (deceased). They spent much of their married life in Lumpkin and Hall Counties.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her two sons.

She leaves behind her loving daughter, Brenda Norris, with whom she lived for the last five years of her life, as well as her daughter-in-law, Becky Payne.

She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Diane Norris Heller, married to Stuart Heller, of Hilton Head, SC; Robbie Norris Whitmire of Richmond Hill, GA; Robert Lee (Bobby) Norris of Dahlonega, GA; Kevin Lamar Payne, married to Melissa Payne, of Gainesville, GA; Dr. Kerry Payne, married to Kelly Payne, of Hickory, NC; and Kristy McFall and Jesse, of Jefferson, GA.

Mildred also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Daniel Walker of Colorado Springs, CO; Abraham Heller of Atlanta, GA; Hanna Heller of Alpharetta, GA; Chandler McFall of Murrayville, GA; Allie Claire Payne of Murrayville, GA; and Graceann Payne of Murrayville, GA. Additionally, she is survived by two great-great-grandchildren, Carmen Walker and Emilia Walker.

Special thank you to caregiver, Marie Harkins, and Affinis Hospice; Tanya Seabolt, Jennifer, Meisha, and all others who cared so much for our family.

Visitation will be held at Yellow Creek Baptist Church on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by the service at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Ricky Stone will officiate. Interment will take place at Colliers Baptist Church Cemetery in Comer, GA with the Rev. Jason Buffington officiating.

Her life, rich with love and family, will be remembered by all who knew her.

To share a memory or condolences with the family visit Mrs. Paynes' online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home 2068 Highway 19 North Dahlonega, GA 30533