Zelma L. Payne

Family-Placed Obituary

Zelma L. (Jimmy) Payne Zelma L. (Jimmy) Payne, passed away at her home on June 23, 2005, following an extended illness. She was born in Moro Bay, Arkansas, on February 17, 1917, to Samuel A. Bryant and Pansy Lewis Bryant. She married Hermes E. Payne, her husband of 59 years until his death in 1993. She and Hermes moved to Elgin in 1957, when Hermes joined his brothers in operating Payne Brick Co. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Elgin. Jimmy was a devoted wife and mother, and her family was her life. She loved to cook for family and friends, and nothing pleased her more than feeding a crowd on holidays and special occasions. Her home was a haven for her children and their friends who always welcomed a sweet or a snack. Their "Bomba" was very special to the generations of her grandchildren, and she took great pleasure in them and their visits. After her last child left home, she took up painting, discovered that she had talent, and enjoyed creating paintings to sell and to give away to special friends and family. Jimmy was preceded in death by her husband Hermes; her daughter Mary Evelyn Hester and her sister, Emma Rodgers. She is survived by her sons, Hermes E. Payne, Jr. and his wife Marilyn of Longview, David E. Payne and his wife Shelley of Austin; daughter Martha L. Neidig of Elgin; son-in-law Marvin H. Hester of Elgin; grandsons Stephen H. Hester and wife Anne of Houston, Daniel M. Hester and wife Julie of Keller, Mark A. Neidig of Elgin, Brett H. Payne and wife Angie of Dallas, Brian C. Payne and his wife Julie of Austin, Marshall D. Payne of Austin; granddaughter Lee L. Morton and her husband Johnny of Rockdale; great- granddaughters Erin Heine and husband, Daryl, Emily Hester, Katie Hester, Laura Hester, Katie Payne, Claire Payne; great-grandson Carter H. Payne; great-great-granddaughters Meredith Heine and Morgan Heine and two sisters Wanna Payne of El Dorado, Arkansas, and Madge Johnson and husband Loren of Warren, Arkansas. The family would like to recognize and thank Jimmy s caregivers and Hospice Austin for kindness and devotion during her illness. Funeral services will be held June 25, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Elgin. Her grandsons will serve as her pallbearers. Burial will follow at the Elgin Cemetery. Arrangements by Elgin Funeral Home, 281-5697.