Wilma Ann Payne, 78, of Sparta, passed away Dec. 17, 2023, at her home.
She was born July 28, 1945, in Sparta, and was the daughter of Willard Allen and Edith Scott Allen.
Wilma loved people and therefore excelled at her job as a switchboard operator. She was the friendly, familiar voice at Edd Rogers Chevrolet for over 40 years. Wilma loved UT football. Also, being a former WCHS basketball star herself, she was an avid follower of Pat Summitt’s Lady Vols. Most of all, Wilma LOVED her family. Her husband, Sid, of 60 years; sons, Brian and Brad; daughters-in-law, Wendi and Tracey; grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler, Kyle T., Brittany; and her many great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Allen.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Sid Payne; sons, Brian Payne (Wendi), Brad Payne (Tracey); grandchildren, Kyle Payne (Ashley), Tyler Payne, Kyle Thompson (Stephanie), Brittany Wong (Mickey); and great-grandchildren, Ella Payne, Luke Payne, Makenzie Thompson, Cameron Thompson, Emory Wong, and Avery Wong.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m., Dec. 21, 2023, at Rose Chapel Cemetery. Jonathan Burns will officiate.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Andrea England and also the Hospice of Tennessee nurses for caring and loving Wilma like she was one of their own.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
