Mary Elizabeth Kennedy Payne, age 88, of Rural Retreat, VA passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023. She was born June 5, 1935 in McDowell County, WV, daughter of the late Jim and Mandy Collins Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford E. Payne, Sr.; sisters, Flossie Kennedy and Ellie Kennedy; brothers, Jessie Kennedy and Orville Kennedy.

Survivors include her son, Clifford E. Payne, Jr. (Mildred) of Dublin, VA; four daughters, Brenda Mullins of Abingdon, VA, Priscilla Lester of Hurley, VA, Sheba Payne of Bradshaw, WV and Daria Gray of Rural Retreat, VA; three brothers, Walter Kennedy (Rovie), Edgel Kennedy (Nellie) and Dan Kennedy (Sue) all of Wytheville, VA; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; special niece, Janet Davis Russell of Ironton, OH; special pet, "Abby".

The family will receive friends Monday, October 2, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Barnett Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 3rd at the funeral home with Elizabeth Hagerman officiating. Burial will follow in West End Cemetery.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Payne family.