Carolyn "Sue" Payne

Carolyn "Sue" Payne, 82, of Farmington, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Born on July 16, 1943, in Leadwood, she was the cherished daughter of the late Irvin and Pearl (Leach) Hackworth. Sue graduated from Leadwood High School and dedicated her life to being a devoted minister’s wife and mother to their two children. 

A compassionate and nurturing soul, Sue was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church in Fredericktown. She took great joy in supporting her husband’s mission to spread the word of God, finding purpose in her faith and in serving her community. Sue’s warmth and kindness touched everyone she met, and her laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

In her spare time, Sue loved to cheer for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs, reveling in the excitement of the game. She also treasured the beautiful memories created during the trips to Branson with her husband, where they explored the music and sights together.

She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of 61 years, Ronald Lee Payne Sr.; siblings, Bill Hackworth, Donald Hackworth and Mary Kelly; brothers in-law, Richard Lee and Walter Kelly.

Sue is survived by her two children, LeaDonna Sue Payne (special friend, Bobby Johnson), Ronald “ReRun” Payne, Jr. and wife Stephanie; grandson, Nick (Niki) Payne; one great-granddaughter, Jaylynne Payne; brother, Larry Hackworth and wife Sharon and one sister, Barbara Lee; special family, Paula, Caleb, Lauren Cartee and family; and Stephen Price; sister in-law, Barb Hackworth; several nieces, nephews other family members, church family and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The visitation will resume at 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Reverend Wayne Phillips and Rev. Tony Hampton will be officiating. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington. Memorials may be directed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of Sue’s memory.

In this time of grief, we celebrate the life of a remarkable woman whose love and compassion will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.