Edith Mary Payne, lovingly known as Mamaw, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025. She was 102 years old. Edith was born in Haywood County, NC, on July 22, 1922, to the late Alfred and Hester Hightower, as one of their ten children. She moved to Newport News, VA in 1943 and has been a peninsula resident ever since.
Edith worked in retail while raising her family, retiring from Sears in 1981 after 22 years of service. She was a member of Ivy Farms Baptist Church, a member of the Faith Sunday School Class, and a member of the Sears Retiree Club.
Edith is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Robert Payne. As the proud matriarch of the family, she was kind, generous, and fiercely independent. She believed she could do anything she set her mind to, and she usually did! Well into her 90’s, she still enjoyed growing tomatoes, blowing leaves, and walking in the neighborhood. She will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her daughters, Joyce Anne Perdue (Larry) of Sturbridge, MA, and Janice Ellen Haney of Newport News, VA; brother John “J.T.” Hightower of Clyde, NC; granddaughters Kimberlee Dobbins (Ryan), Melaney Thomas (Brian), and Jessica Joseph (Pete); and six great-grandchildren, Nikki Joseph, Connor Joseph, Chase Thomas, Mason Thomas, Sophia Dobbins and Madelynn Dobbins.
A private graveside service honoring Edith will be held at Peninsula Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd. Newport News, VA 23601.
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Sincere condolences to the family!! Wish we could have been closer. It had been many years since I had seen
her. We kept up with her through J T and Daryl. I know you all will miss her. God Bless!! She lived on Beech Street the last time I was there.