Patsy Annette Payne

Patsy Annette Payne, lovingly known as Pat, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on April 29, 2025, in Mesquite, Texas, surrounded by her family. She was born on November 24, 1935, in Hamlin, Texas, to Spurgeon C. Dunn and Gladys Corena Early Dunn.
There were many cherished eras Pat experienced throughout her life. The close bond she shared with her sister Joyce was a relationship that shaped her loving spirit. The love of and for family and friends is one of the greatest gifts Pat shared with all those who knew and loved her. She and her sister, Joyce understood firsthand the value of family connection. Their passion and love for the annual Dunn/Early Family Reunions holds so many family memories that are seen in many of the close family relationships we have today. Joyce and Pat were not only sisters, they were best friends and lived life together.
Pat was married to Chuck Currie for 23 years. They were proud, loving and dedicated parents to their children Susan Reinke and Jeff Currie.
Pat spent much of her career in the hospitality industry, where her warmth and graciousness left a lasting impression of the importance of respect, compassion and kindness on countless guests and coworkers. Her heart and love for people and serving was seen throughout her life and on into her retirement being active with her sorority, women's bible studies, spending time with friends, family and volunteering with Meals on Wheels.
She loved singing and playing the piano, a fan of all things fashion, a doer-constantly on the move finding things to do and people to help, all with perfectly curled hair and her beautiful pink nails and lips. Pat found great joy living on the coast, where she enjoyed evening boat rides with Kenneth, walking the beach's shoreline picking up shells, sand dollars, and any other treasure she might happen upon.
Pat and Kenneth enjoyed traveling together almost always with her sister, Joyce and husband Bennie. Cruises were often their travel of choice. They also enjoyed dancing, casinos and shopping, however the boys were usually ranching while the girls were shopping.
Best known and loved as MamMa Pat and Aunt Pat. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren-spoiling them, cheering them on at games and performances, and cherishing every moment spent together as a family. She was also known to randomly call one of her grandkids to come over just to fix something around the house or to take her on a trip to H E B, simply to stroll the aisles and spend time together. You would often find Aunt Pat in Corpus Christi visiting her nieces, nephews and her great nieces and nephews, traveling together for her great nieces beauty pageants, and enjoying so many holidays together.
Pat had a contagious spirit for the Lord, and her unwavering desire to serve Him was evident in the love and care she gave so freely to those around her. Pat and her husband Kenneth were long-time members of First United Methodist Church in Waxahachie, where she faithfully worshiped and served with a joyful heart. She lived a life devoted to serving others-through her family, her faith, and her community.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Spurgeon Dunn; her husband of 35 years, Kenneth Payne; her son-in-law, Carl Reinke; her sister, Joyce Houghton and husband Bennie; nieces Beverly Heaton and husband Sonny and Gayle Houghton; and her former husband, Chuck Currie.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Reinke; son, Jeff Currie; grandchildren Lindsey Hunt and husband John and Chris Reinke and wife Lindsay; great-grandchildren Kaleb, Jayde, Joshua, and Corena Hunt and Lynlee Reinke; nephew Randy Houghton; Great Nieces and Nephews: Holly Houghton and her children Hayden, Madisyn, and Kaitlyn; Heather Henderson and husband Marty and their sons Daxton and Brody; Heidi and her husband Clint Land and their daughters Claire and Cassadee; Randy Houghton Jr.; Kari Heaton; Krista Heaton and Ryan Rhodes; Kaycee Heaton and Mark Chapa; and Kirby Heaton and Torrye Glaser.
Always with a smile Pat's legacy is a shining light of service, joy, and steadfast love. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her.