Bertha Venora Payne

Bertha Venora Payne, 91, of Steelville, MO passed away Thursday, March 20, 2008 at her son's home. She was born February 24, 1917 at Sligo, MO to Cornelius and Mary Alice (McWhorter) Payne. On March 21, 1934, she was united in marriage to Johnny William (J.W.) Payne who preceded her in death on April 4, 1984.

She is survived by one son, Bill Payne and wife Sharon of Steelville, MO and one daughter, Edna Mae Slape and husband Thomas of Cuba, MO; one sister, Marie Waller and husband Casey Waller of St. Louis, MO; one sister-in-law, Edna Payne of High Ridge, MO; five grandchildren, Jerry Payne and wife Sue, Mary Locke and husband Brad, James Payne and wife Anita, Brad Tinker, Bryan Tinker and wife Sara; nine great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband J.W. Payne; two daughter-in-laws, Pat Payne and Patty Payne; one son-in-law, Sidney Thomas Pearson II; four brothers, Virgle Payne and wife Julia, Ernest Payne, Jewell Payne and wife Genevea and Robert Payne; six sisters, Alma Jane Coleman and husband Andrew, Addie Elizabeth Coleman and husband Clifford, Ada Mae Pounds and husband George, Vergie Benton and husband Sweeney, Ruth Irene Brown and husband Clifford, and Geraldine Payne.

Bertha was a member of the Center Point Baptist Church. She enjoyed quilting, sewing and loving the times she spent with all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bertha was a caring person who helped take care of her older sisters in later years.


Funeral services were held on Monday, March 24, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with the Rev. Bud Sanders and Rev. Paul Lathum officiating. Special music of "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" and "It Is Well With My Soul" were sang by the Grandchildren and Leslie Craig accompanied on piano. Other special music of "Going Home" was sang and played by Rev. Paul Lathum. Music of "The Blessing" closed the service. Committal prayer and burial were in the Steelville Cemetery in Steelville, MO.


Casketbearers were Jerry Payne, Brad Tinker, Bryan Tinker, James Payne, April Payne and Mary Locke.


The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

 Service Information