Wilma Joan Payne

Posted on October 22, 2021

Wilma Joan Payne, 80, of Perry passed away Oct. 18, 2021. She was born on Aug. 11, 1941, in Rives, Tenn., to Charles and Sally Arnold of Dresden, Tenn. She honorably served in the United States Air Force, where she met her loving husband of 58 years, Walter Rodman Payne III.She and Walt had three children: Walter Rodman Payne IV and Pandora Padgett, both of Perry, and Candance Towsley (Scott) of Hope, Ind.She was best known as the fire tower lookout at the Cabbage Grove Fire Tower for 17 years, retiring in 2000. She is preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Walt; and her son-in-law, Jimmy Ray Padgett. She is survived by: her three children; four grandchildren, Alice Padgett, Amanda Turner, Sarah Towsley and Rissa Towsley; two great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two sisters, Catherine Sue Rea (Vernon) of Martin, Tenn., and Mary Ann Evans (Rick) of Dresden, Tenn.; and a host of nieces and nephews, including Roger Robinson of Perry. She enjoyed arts and crafts and was an avid quilter, hand-stitching intricately designed patchwork quilts for friends and family. Honoring her wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Those wishing to express condolences are encouraged to contact the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in her name.