Debbie Payne

Debra LuAnn Payne, maiden name of Standefer, 69, of Lubbock, Texas passed away on August 17, 2025. Debbie was born on August 6, 1956 in Plainview, TX to Frank and Toody Standefer. Debbie graduated from New Deal High school in 1974 and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse where she cared for patients in various settings. She raised two daughters, Emily Edwards and Holly Pierce, both of Lubbock. She married Gary Payne, of Lubbock, in 1998 and semi-retired to Robert Lee, where she cared for her parents in their later years. During her time in Robert Lee, Debbie became a master gardener, and opened a small greenhouse for a few years where she and Gary raised and sold garden plants, flowers and produce to the local community. Debbie loved to watch Food Network or Diners, Drive-ins and Dives try new recipes. She always had something new and delicious ready to cook for family visits, and they were always wonderful! The family enjoyed many weekends together in Robert Lee, where the son-in-laws would hunt deer, while the families hung out and celebrated the holidays. The grandchildren loved to visit Nana and Papa's house in the summers where they would go visit the local swimming pool or down to the lake to catch minnows, as Callie recalls. Kelsea remembers Nana taking her all over the world with her stories. "Do you see it?" she would say, and Keslea remembers being in those places! Carson remembers Nana's lamb-chops, risotto, blueberry muffins and tons of other good dishes. Nana would arrange cooking competitions between the kids and she and Gary would judge the winners. Kaitlyn and Kelsea both remember relaxing backrubs from Nana or her rocking and singing them to sleep in the evenings. Holly recalls a special girl's trip with Debbie, Emily, Callie & Kelsea where they visited Texas A&M and put their hands inside of a cow, got facials and had other fun girly adventures. Emily cherishes the special time they spent together in Debbie's last few years as dementia began to take more of her independence. Debbie is survived by spouse Gary Payne; daughter Emily Edwards and husband Chancy; daughter Holly Pierce and son-in-law Henry; son Chase Payne and wife Ericka; nine beloved grandchildren Kaitlyn Pierce, Carson Edwards and wife Naomi, Nathaniel Payne and wife Allie, Brayden Payne, Kelsea Pierce, Callie Edwards, Reagan Payne, Kamryn Pierce, and Molly Payne; sister Kay Hurst; sister Janie Miller and husband Mark; brother Pat Standefer and wife Nan as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their children for whom Debbie was a special, joyful aunt. Debbie was preceded in death by her father Frank Standefer, mother Iris (Toody) Standefer, and sister Pam Littlefield. Debbie will be remembered for her smile and her laugh. She was a fun-loving, joyful, happy person who loved her family deeply and brought joy to everyone she knew! Debbie was a woman of Christian faith, and believed that there is a God of the universe, who created mankind in His image. She believed that Jesus is the Son of God, born of a virgin, lived a perfect, sinless life, and sacrificed it voluntarily, as a payment for the sins of those who follow him. Debbie believed that Jesus rose from the grave, defeating death, and now sits at the right hand of God the creator of the universe. Debbie had no doubt that Jesus was her Lord and Savior, and that she will spend eternity with Him. Debbie would want anyone reading this to know that Jesus' free gift of salvation is available to them, if they call on the name of Jesus, and repent from their sins and walk in relationship with Him. The family will have a memorial service at Sanders Funeral Home on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:30 AM with Indiana Avenue Baptist Church Senior Pastor, Steve McMeans, officiating.