Ramona Bowling Payne

Ramona Gaynell Toney Bowling Payne, age 88, of Monroe, Georgia, died peacefully on December 5, 2025, after a long battle with dementia. She was born on June 14, 1937, in DeKalb County, Georgia, to the late Marvin Odis Toney and Beatrice Milligan Toney.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, prior to the service. The celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Bill Head Funeral Home Lilburn/Tucker Chapel. Burial will follow at Melwood Cemetery in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
After graduating from Clarkston High School in 1956, Ramona married Paul P. Bowling of Clarkston, Georgia, in 1959. They began their life together in the Clarkston area, where Ramona worked for Southern Bell before choosing to devote herself to raising their family.
In 1966, Ramona and Paul moved to Lilburn, Georgia, where they quickly became active members of the community. Their happiest years were spent at ballfields and gyms across the Lilburn Lions Club programs, cheering on their children in softball, basketball, and football, and building lifelong friendships.
Around 1974, Ramona earned her real estate license and enjoyed success in the real estate industry before returning to Southern Bell, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in 1995.
Following the passing of her first husband, Paul, Ramona remarried in 1991 to Harold Payne Sr. The two made their home in Loganville, Georgia, where they shared many years of companionship and friendship.
Ramona was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was strong-willed, quick-witted, social, hardworking, and loved fiercely. She adored the beach, enjoyed baking during the holidays-especially cakes-and treasured her role as a grandmother above all else.
She is survived by her children: John Kory Bowling (Christine) of Braselton, Georgia; Kimberly Neill of Watkinsville, Georgia; and Kelly Denny (Don) of Watkinsville, Georgia and her siblings Gary Toney, Sr. of Lilburn, Georgia and Joyce Galloway (Jack) of Cartersville, Georgia. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Stephanie Hale (Cory Hale) of Dacula, Georgia; Kayla Pedersoli of Braselton, Georgia; Brandon Bowling (Peyton Bowling) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Elena Taglieri (Zac Taglieri) of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Daniel Denny of Watkinsville, Georgia; and Tyler Denny of Watkinsville, Georgia. She leaves behind two great-grandchildren and several dear nieces and nephews.
Ramona was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Paul P. Bowling; and her husband, Harold Payne Sr.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Park Place Nursing Home in Monroe, Georgia, and to Abby Hospice for the compassionate care shown to Ramona during her final journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Online condolences may be left at www.billheadfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Home, Tucker/Lilburn Chapel. 770.564.2726