Kristen Leigh Payne

Kristen Leigh Payne

Our hearts are broken as we share that Kristen Leigh Payne, lovingly known as Kiki, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the young age of 41.

Above all else, Kiki was a mother. Her three children were her entire world and every choice she made, every dream she held, and every ounce of love she gave was for them. They were her greatest blessing, her reason to keep going, and the brightest light in her life.

Kiki was the kind of mom who gave everything she had, even when she had nothing left. She showed her children what unconditional love, strength, and sacrifice truly look like. She was their safe place, their biggest cheerleader, and their very best friend. Her laughter, warm hugs, and the way she could make everything feel okay will forever live in their hearts.

Her love will continue on through her children, Kaleigh Brown, Kelsey Brown, and Logan Harrison, who will carry her spirit with them in all they do.

Kiki also leaves behind her loving parents, Kenny and Pam Payne; sister, Jennifer Tolson; nephew, Tyler Shelton; nieces, Brooklynn Tolson and Lilly Tolson; grandfather, Billy Gordon; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will miss her more than words can ever express. She also leaves behind her canine companion, Luke, who is named after her heartthrob, Luke Combs. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, June Gordon, and Nancy and Buddy Payne.

To know Kiki was to know a fierce and beautiful soul whose greatest joy was her family. Her legacy is love, and it will never fade.

Kiki finally landed her dream job with Stafford County Public Schools, where she poured her heart into every moment. She had a gift for making every child feel seen, loved, and cared for, and she cherished each student she had the privilege of guiding.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 13, at the funeral home chapel followed by interment in Ramoth Baptist Church Cemetery. At the conclusion of all services, a reception will be held at American Legion Post 290. All who loved her are welcome to join in celebrating her life and the incredible mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend she will always be. Kiki loved Pink, so Rock the Pink!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her children on Venmo @Pamela-Payne-85

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.