Lillie Ruth Payne

Lillie Ruth Payne, 93 a longtime resident of Odem, Texas, passed away October 23, 2024 in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

Known as the Odem Roadrunner, so named by a friend, she was always on the go, visiting friends, shut-ins, and family. An adventurer, she loved nature and exploring National Parks with friends and family as well as international travel. 

Born February 9, 1931, in Elsa, Texas to Reverand Floyd A. and Lillie Lee Dunn Walton, Lillie Ruth attended the University of Corpus Christi and worked 25 years as a research assistant for PPG. A long-time member of Forest Park Baptist Church and after her move to Odem in the early 1990s, a very active member of First Baptist Church in Odem. Always strong in her faith, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years because she loved being around people. A dedicated supporter of the Coastal Bend Blood Bank, she was proud to have donated eleven gallons of blood over the years and cherished her collection of coffee mugs from her many donations.

Always with a kind word for everyone she knew and made friends everywhere she went. A patient and loving mother, aunt and grandmother, she doted on family and made them all feel special. Preferred a picnic over a fancy dinner, visited nursing homes often, bringing her homemade banana muffins and a smile, she was a member of the Mission Service Core working with the elderly. She spoke her truth quietly and led by example. 

An avid reader and a wealth of knowledge, she loved genealogy and after years of research and interviews, she co-wrote a book of her family history dating back to the early 1800s. She could talk about almost any subject, but one of her greatest attributes was her ability to listen, make everyone feel important, and was genuinely interested in everyone’s story. 

Lillie Ruth was the third of five children; all of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her two children, James “Allen” Payne (Terina) and Glynda “Lynn” Angerstein (Gary), five grandchildren, Patricia “Patty” McDonald (Jeffery), Michele Gaines (Randy), Nathan Payne (Jade), Melissa Soileau (Lucas), and Laura Manrique (Daniel), her thirteen great grandchildren: Candice, EJ, Welsey, Spencer, Eli, Nolan, Kade, Birdie, Kai, Adaline, Caroline, Cannon and Waylon and one great-great grandchild Annie.

She loved her family with all she had, and her definition of family was generous. Her love for God was absolute, unshakable, obvious, and foremost. 

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 2:00pm with the Funeral Services to be held Monday, October 28th at 11:00am and burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.