Fay Payne

Zelma Fay Payne-Mills, affectionately known to her family and friends as Fay, passed away on March 18th, 2026, in Sanger, TX, at the remarkable age of 101 years old. A woman of extraordinary strength, enduring love, and quiet grace, Fay was the cornerstone of her family for over a century.

Fay was born on August 27th 1924, (the 7th of 10 children) to her parents, Leodonis and Adna Arnold of Justin, TX. Fay spent her life cultivating a family tree that would grow to span across the world. She was a faithful, loving wife, and devoted mother to her three sons, raising them with a deep love that would later reflect in their own lives and growing families. Fay was preceded in death by her parents, 7 siblings, the father of her children, Roy Elbert Payne, her second husband Calvin Mills, her two beloved sons Roy Elbert Payne Jr, and David Leon Payne, and daughter-in-law, Loretta Payne.

Fay’s legacy is carried on by her surviving son, Rickey Payne, and his wife, Dianna, of Sanger, TX. She was a deeply cherished Grandma to her grandchildren: Tammy Fay and Scott McGregor of Decatur, TX; David Jr and Debra Payne of Gainesville, TX; Cherie and John Anderson of Krugerville, TX; Richard Bryan and Dawne Payne of Krum, TX; James Alexander and Chandie of Sanger, TX; Elizabeth and Ryder McKinney of North Carolina; and Amber Ray of Lewisburg,TN. Her memory will be also be forever treasured by her numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, who were the light of her remarkably long life. Fay also leaves behind her beloved precious dog, Daisy Fay, who was forever given lots of doggie treats.

Fay was a member of Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God church for more than 70 years. She gave her life to the Lord and was saved in Oct 1950 and was baptized in 1953. Fay loved her Lord and reading her KJV Bible. She taught and led by her devoted faith and Christian character. Her favorite Bible verses were Psalms 23, Psalms 101:1, and John 3:16. Her favorite songs were Amazing Grace and The Old Rugged Cross.

Fay was a 1941 graduate of Denton High School; and then, continued her schooling in Ft Worth to learn how to build airplanes during WW11. Fay was a head cook at Denton State School and retired after 21 years of service. She always said that her hardest, yet most rewarding job was taking care of children, which she did for many years. Fay was once given a cute nick name, ‘Woodchopper’ because she always had trouble hitting a soft ball. Fay lovingly sewed many quilts for her family, which her family will forever cherish.

Services to honor and celebrate Fay’s long and beautiful life will be held on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors, Denton, TX. A time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:30 AM, immediately followed by the funeral service at 11:30 AM, officiated by Bro Andy Walters. Serving as pallbearers to carry her to her final resting place will be grandsons David Payne Jr, Bryan Payne, and Alex Payne; Great Grandsons Samuel McGregor and Hunter Payne; and close family friend Paul James.

A graveside will follow the funeral service at Prairie Mound Cemetery in Arygle, TX. At the graveside, the family will share a reading of Psalm 23, a concluding prayer, and a heartfelt singing of I’ll Fly Away as they lay their beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother to rest.