Joseph Neal Payne

Dr. Joseph Neal Payne, 82, died on March 6, 2012 surrounded by his family in Charlottesville. He was born on August 10, 1929, in Galax, Va., to Solomon Luther Payne and Annie Elizabeth Cox Payne. He is survived by his son, J. Neal Payne Jr. and his wife, Peggy Houk Payne, of Arlington, Va.; his daughter, Joanna Cornett Payne and her husband, James Alexander Burgess, of Tenafly, N.J.; grandchildren, Kelsey Houk Payne, Jane Elizabeth Braun, Joseph Ryan Payne, and Rebecca Payne Braun; sisters, Virginia Payne Higgins and Eleanor Payne Nuckolls; sister-in-law, Lucy Buran Cornett; and many close nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Dr. Payne was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Ruth Cornett Payne; his brother, Paul Bryant Payne; and his nephews, Patrick Gene Nuckolls, Thomas Charles Higgins and James William Higgins.
Dr. Payne earned a bachelor's degree in education from Roanoke College, the beginning of a long career dedicated to teaching. Roanoke was particularly special to Dr. Payne as it was there that he met his sweetheart Ruth, the love of his life. They were married in 1951 at the chapel on the University of Virginia grounds, where he was completing his doctorate in mathematics education. Dr. Payne taught at Indian Springs School in Birmingham, Ala., and the University of Wisconsin in Madison before joining the faculty of the University of Michigan School of Education, where he enjoyed working for 40 years. He wrote Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a K-8 mathematics series, high school algebra textbooks, and several research publications. He was a leader in mathematics education and had a profound effect on his colleagues, undergraduate and graduate students.
Teaching was a profession and, more importantly, a way of life for Dr. Payne. As a gifted educator and mentor, he was able to inspire confidence in his students. Dr. Payne's lessons were characterized by his gentle demeanor and patience and he never missed an opportunity to share his love of learning. The pleasure he took in education extended through all facets of his life in Ann Arbor and Dr. Payne was a proud Wolverine who could be counted on to answer the phone on football Saturdays with an enthusiastic, "Go Blue!" His love of university life traveled with him when he and Ruth retired to Charlottesville in 1997. He enjoyed his enrollment in many continuing education classes at the Curry School of Education, going to university theatre and music productions, and cheering for the Cavaliers unless they were playing Michigan. Dr. Payne loved his hometown, and stayed connected to his Carroll and Grayson County roots through frequent visits and annual Cox family reunions. An active genealogist, Dr. Payne was able to trace his ancestry for several centuries, and was an active member of the Jamestowne Society and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Dr. Payne's commitment to teaching was only exceeded by his devotion to his family. A logical thinker who always let his heart prevail, he was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He had a reassuring presence in the lives of those around them, and could always be counted on for unwavering support, guidance, and love. His actions inspired compassion and kindness in everyone around him.
The family is most grateful for the love and kindness expressed by many relatives, friends, and the doctors and nurses at the University of Virginia Medical Center, who cared for Dr. Payne. Special appreciation is extended to Joyce Carter, Mary Coleman, and Ruth Scully for their many years of love, care, and support.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at the Independence Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. John Duvall officiating. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the graveside service at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville with the Rev. Jim Baker as Officiant.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or to the Payne-Jones-Coxford Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan School of Education. Checks made payable to the University of Michigan can be sent to The Office of Development and Alumni Relations, 1001 School of Education Building, 610 East University Avenue, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1259. In the memo line please include 793752 in memory of Joseph Payne.
Friends may send condolences to his family at www.hillandwood.com