Mary Sink Payne

Mary Payne, 81, of Davidson County, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025, at her home with her devoted family by her side.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Monday evening, October 27, 2025, at Davidson Funeral Home, Lexington.

A funeral service will proceed the following day, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Reeds United Methodist Church with Pastor Ray Morgan officiating.

The committal service will conclude services in the church cemetery.

Mary was born on November 15, 1943, in Davidson County, to the late David Clarence Sink and Juanita Sink, growing up on a dairy farm and taking pride in their Holstein cattle. Farming was an important facet of her life, and she was proudly crowned Dairy Princess in 1962, and was also involved in her school’s 4-H Club, where she met Tom Payne, the young man who would become the love of her life and husband of 60 years.

Upon graduation from high school, she furthered her educational career by attending and graduating from Catawba College with a baccalaureate degree in education. Mary used her wisdom and knowledge to teach high school math at North Davidson High for 38 years before retiring and leaving a legacy of learning in her place.

Her love for community was not only displayed by her ability to teach the next generations but also by serving others within and throughout her church. A dedicated and long-time member of Reeds UMC, Mary’s love for the Lord shone through her actions as she lovingly supported and took part in the many ministries within.

Family and friends remember her passion for music as an accomplished pianist and gifted vocalist, and she would bless those around her with a beautiful voice and sweet melodies. The love she gave her family as a devoted wife and mother and to her friends as someone who could always be counted on, shines through from the hearts of all those whom she touched.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, David Sink.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Tom Payne, of the home; son, Trey Payne (Jamie), of Wallburg; daughter, Sally Jabae (Majed), of High Point; sister, Jane Crotts (Dennis), of Lexington; and grandchildren, Miriam Childress (Kelly), Sara Jabae, and Gabe Payne.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice of Davidson County for the love and care they showed to Mary and those who love her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292 or to Reeds UMC, 4731 W. Old Hwy 64 Lexington, NC 27295.