Wanda Lee Payne

Wanda Lee Payne was born in Dallas, Texas, on Sept 7, 1931. Affectionately known to her family as Bobbi, she went to sleep and awoke to sunrise in Heaven to play for God’s choir on April 20, 2018. Service: 10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, Acton Baptist Church, Interment: 3:30 PM, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, Restland Cemetery, Dallas, Visitation: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Monday, April 23, 2018, Wiley Funeral Home, Granbury.

She was preceded in death by her father, J.D. Wellborn, mother Frances Opal Duff, sister Betty Jean Smith, brother-in-law Herschell E. Smith, and most beloved niece, Kathy Jean Smith.

Wanda spent much of her life in Dallas. She married R. K. (Bob) Payne, also of Dallas, on July 30, 1954. She worked in the executive offices of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas, before moving on to a much higher, albeit demanding, calling: mother, mom, and best friend, to son Warren, and Christmas present twins, Rhonda and Glenda. Though she never relinquished her rights or duties as a mother, a calling at which she truly excelled, she returned to the working world, this time with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Bob and Wanda were members of North Dallas Baptist Church, and every Sunday, Wanda played piano, alongside Bob’s mother, Dinah, on the organ. Bob and Wanda moved to Granbury, Texas, in 1993, where they joined Acton Baptist Church. Wanda loved music, and she was active in the church music program.

Wanda was a faithful wife, a loving mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She loved the Lord and His church. A strong Christian woman, who never seemed to meet a stranger, her caring, compassionate ways belied her tough, resolute spirit. She impacted all those who knew her. She was loved and respected by her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of over 63 years, R. K. (Bob) Payne, daughter Glenda Stoneham and husband, Allen, of Dallas, daughter Rhonda Phillips and husband, Brit, of Ft. Worth, son Warren and wife, Kathryn, of Houston, and two beautiful much-loved granddaughters, Brittany Phillips and Madeline (Maddie) Stoneham. Survivors also include numerous cousins in East Texas, and one precious Havanese, Melli.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Music and Outreach Ministries of Acton Baptist.