Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Margie Payne, who left us peacefully on October 5, 2026, at the age of 85 in Gainesville, Georgia.

Born in Ellijay, Georgia, to Meathel and Earl Wheeler, Margie grew up in a home of faith, and unconditional love. She spent a lot of time planting her garden of vegetables and caring for her flowers inside and outside; she had a passion for gardening. Margie found great joy in spending countless hours canning and freezing vegetables and cooking for the family, which she added the most important ingredients, LOVE!

Above all else, Margie’s life was defined by her unwavering faith, love, and kindness for her family and friends. A woman of profound faith, she loved attending True Way Baptist Church, where she and her husband, Wallace, were lifelong members. Margie was happiest when spending time with her loved ones and enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and was always the first to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. As a mother, she put her children first in all things, teaching them how to navigate the world first with prayer for guidance, grace, resilience, and compassion.

She is survived by her five loving children, Jerry (Sandy) Dempsey, Tammy (Steve) Husk, Herbie Thurber, Terry Thurber, and Virginia Williams; her twenty cherished grandchildren, Michael, Herbie, Jeremy (Melissa and Isley), Zachary (Kelly), Andy (Allison), Nicole (Shaun), Charles (Lauren), Ryan (Meghan), Anna, Travis, Cale, Alli, Ella, Jayson, Jordan, Jaydan, Berkley, Riley, Everett, and Reagan; her precious great-grandchildren, Liam (son of Zachary and Kelly), and Abel and Kairi (son and daughter of Ryan and Meghan); and her dear siblings. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wallace Payne.

Our Precious Mother is now with our Lord and Savior and husband Wallace and other family members in heaven. We have peace knowing you are in HEAVEN!

Thank you for everything, "BEST MOM!" We Love and miss you so much!