Vicky Lynn Payne

Vicky Lynn Payne, 75 of Martinsville, gained eternal rest at 12:37 PM on Friday, February 15th, 2025, at the IU Health Bloomington Hospital. She died peacefully with her loving family by her side. Vicky's life began on Monday, January 9th, 1950, in Morgan County, Indiana. She was one of seven children born to the late James Clifford and Wuanita Margaret (Bowman) Whitaker.
Vicky and her siblings grew up roaming the hills and wading in the creeks of Brown County. She graduated from Brown County High School with the 1969 class and married her soulmate, Terry Joe Payne, the following month on June 14th, 1969. The lovebirds met when Vicky was thirteen and began dating when she was fourteen; it was love at first sight! As Terry said, "I have 61 years of incredible memories. She was fun and gave the best kisses."
Vicky battled many health problems throughout her life, though she never gave up. Her spunky and willful attitude and excellent care from her husband kept her going. She had a knack for arts and crafts and was a gifted vocalist. Family karaoke was one of her favorite pastimes, though her grandchildren were the highlight of her life.
During the early 1980's, Vicky worked at Harman Motive in Martinsville before gaining employment at Waycross Camp & Conference Center in Morgantown. She was the cook at Waycross for several years, a job she absolutely cherished. She later took a job as a bartender at Joe's Sports Bar in Morgantown where she worked for nearly 10 years until her health deteriorated.
Those left holding tight to their cherished memories include her husband of nearly fifty-six years, Terry Joe Payne of Martinsville; son, Brian Wade (wife, Diana) Payne of Martinsville; daughter, Bobbi Jo (husband, Rick) Laymon of Martinsville; beloved grandchildren, Jarod Wade Payne, Nina Jolynn Payne, Jacinda, Caleb, and Derrick Laymon; one great grandchild, Devin Laymon; brothers, Harvey (wife, Audrey) Whitaker of Edinburgh, IN, and David Whitaker of Brown County, IN; and sisters, Patricia Murray of Indianapolis and Debbie Street of Morgantown, IN.
Along with her parents, Vicky was preceded in death by a brother, Kirk Whitaker and sister, Sharon Ray.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, February 21st, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville. In honoring her wishes, Vicky's earthly remains will be cremated following the visitation.
Condolences and memories are encouraged to be shared w