Brendalee "Brandy" Payne

Brendalee "Brandy" Payne obituary

Brendalee "Brandy" Payne

Brendalee Payne Obituary

Visit the Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center website to view the full obituary.
Brendalee (Brandy) Payne, lovingly known as "Auntie B," passed away unexpectedly after a sudden illness on August 15, 2025, at the age of 70.

Born on May 26, 1955, in New Haven, Connecticut, Brendalee earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing and served in that field until she retired. Brendalee joined the US Navy after graduating from college, serving on active duty and then the reserves for a total of 30 years, retiring at the rank of commander. Her Navy career took her to several duty stations around the US, as well as a tour in Okinawa, where she developed a deep affection for Japanese culture. After transferring to the Navy reserve, she continued her nursing career as a civilian, working at Candler and Memorial Health Hospitals in Savanna, Georgia. She dedicated her career to caring for women as a breast cancer nurse and advocate, and in the delivery room, where she touched countless lives with her compassion, strength, and healing presence.

Brenda is survived by her brother, Anthony, his wife Eva, and her cherished niece, Michela, along with many cousins, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was predeceased by her mother, Jean Melillo; her stepfather, Anthony Melillo; and her brother, Howard Payne.

Her legacy of kindness, service, and love will live on in the lives she cared for and the family who adored her. The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to their local humane society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center

1328 Dean Forest Rd, Savannah, GA 31405

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