Nancy “Louise” Vinson Payne, age 96, of Cornelia, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
Mrs. Payne was born on February 2, 1923, in Habersham County, Georgia to the late James and Nellie Waldrip Vinson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, J Bunyon Payne; and all of her siblings, being the last of her immediate family.
Mrs. Payne retired from Cornelia Electrical and Plumbing after many years of service alongside her husband. After high school and into her early twenties she was one of the star players of the Lorlei Ladies, which was a professional ladies basketball team in Atlanta. Her late husband would often jokingly say “She was the only player that could be in two places at once on the court.” Louise, known as “Ma-Ma” to her grandchildren was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was a very humble and selfless woman with a heart full of love for everyone.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and David Humphrey, of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Tara Ward, of Auburn; Jill McGee Torres, of Atlanta; great-grandchildren, Brett Mixon, of Grafton, WI; Courtney Ward, of Demorest; Kaylie Ward, of Auburn; Elena Torres, of Atlanta; one great-great-grandchild, Olive Mixon, of Grafton, WI; and a large extended family.
A Private Family Interment will be held at Yonah Memorial Gardens.
Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2019, at the Demorest Baptist Church with Rev. John Kinsey officiating.
For those wishing to express online condolences, may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. 706-778-1700.
