Margaret Field Payne

Margaret Field Payne, 81, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026.

She was born on August 1, 1944, in Washington, D.C. In her early years, Margaret was busy in northern Virginia raising three daughters and working at the post office. In mid-life she earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA and became an elementary school teacher. She moved to Williamsburg after meeting and marrying the love of her life, Thomas C Payne Jr. There she worked as an interpretive guide for Colonial Williamsburg.

Outside of her professional life, Margaret enjoyed creative pursuits, especially gardening, sewing and reading. She valued spending time with friends and being politically active. She loved doing crafts with children. She considered herself a social rebel and not a rule follower. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found comfort and community in her church and in her relationship with God.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband, Thomas C Payne Jr; her children, Carolyn "Carrie" Ducker (Dwight Griswold), Virginia "Ginger" Otto (Christopher), Brenda Ducker (Gerald Jones Jr.), Annie Ansley (Jennifer), and Kevin Payne (Elizabeth); her grandchildren, Ross Otto (Sydney), Reid Otto (Chaney Clapham), Conrad Otto, Kayla Payne, Jayden Price, and Ethan Price; and her great-granddaughter, Everleigh Rossman; her sister Sue Robison and brother Steven Field. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, with a special mention of Deandra Field and her beloved children.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be shared once arrangements have been finalized. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity or cause of your choice in Margaret's memory.

Margaret will be remembered for her sense of humor, her creativity and her love of children.