Sharon Payne

1945 - 2025

Sharon Louise Payne passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025 at the age of 80. Born on January 14, 1945 in Jefferson City, Missouri, she was the daughter of Clarence Payne and Rose Mary Flick Payne. Sharon was baptized at St. Peters Catholic Church in Jefferson City and later attended St. Peters Elementary School, and graduated from Helias High School.

After high school, Sharon attended St. John's School of Nursing, in St. Louis, Missouri, earning the title of Registered Nurse, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration at Florida International University. Sharon's nursing career included St John's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, the U.S. Veterans Hospital in Miami, Florida, and the U.S. Veterans Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, where she served as the head nurse of the psychiatric unit.

Her passions in life included spending time with friends and family over a meal, music, care and assistance to those with AIDS in the Kansas City area, donating time to her catholic church, and fostering a deep compassion for animals, especially cats (volunteered at Wayside Waifs, KC Pet Project, and other cat rescues). Sharon enjoyed music and was a member of numerous church choirs in the metropolitan area. She was an avid reader, a lover of good food,and deeply engaged with the world outside of Kansas City.

Sharon, blessed with strength and conviction, fearlessly challenged the status quo to build a more equitable world, whether that be through treating stigmatized patients or caring for animals at the behest of no one. This is where her true legacy lies - in the countless lives she touched. She leaves her friends, extended family, and acquaintances with beautiful memories to be cherished in their hearts. She gave generously, cared deeply, loved many and will never be forgotten.

Sharon's life will be remembered and celebrated by her extended Payne, Flick, and Hoffman families, Dayton Felber, Suzen (Seemani) Fylke, and her lifetime friends at a funeral service at St. James Roman Catholic Church located at 3909 Harrison Street, Kansas City, Missouri on March 21, 2026 with the visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and the funeral mass following at noon.