Barbara Goettmann Payne

Barbara Goettmann Payne, 91, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Hiram Edward and Viola Clark Goettmann, she was a member of First Alliance Church.

Barbara was a pioneer in the field of Occupational Therapy. After receiving her degree from Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri, she returned to Chattanooga where she was one of two Occupational Therapists practicing in the area. She assumed a position with Orange Grove Center when that organization was in its infancy. Barbara later earned her Master from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Over the years she went on to direct both Occupational and Physical Therapy Departments as well as teaching to mentor the next generation of therapists.

After retiring from her chosen field Barbara's next chapter included becoming a Realtor with Crye-Leike and later with Re/Max Renaissance Realtors. She found this particularly rewarding especially when she could help marginalized buyers acquire their first home.

She is survived by her two sons, Thomas E. (Wanda) Payne Sr. of Aiken, South Carolina and John H. Payne of Chattanooga; three grandchildren, Thomas

E. Payne Jr., Jennifer L. Payne and Susan N. (Craig Wilson) Payne; and great granddaughter, Mia Wilson.

Visitation will be held 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Monday December 29, 2025, at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held, 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Forest Hills Cemetery in Morganton, N.C.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.