Dr. Peggy Joyce Langley Payne died on April 10, 2021 after a long illness.
She is survived by her daughter Cathy (Bruce) Anderson of Kennesaw, GA, son Jim (Jennifer) Payne of McKinney, Texas, grandchildren Gracie, Abby, Dylan and Hannah, sisters Nella (Jack) Sanders and Nancy (Bob) Milhollin. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Rev. Victor Payne, and a host of loved ones. Memorial services will be on May 15th in Lucedale, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kenya Connection Kids (www.kenyaconnectionkids.org) or www.legacy.org/trees
Peggy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She grew up in Ovett, Mississippi, one of 6 children of Zeb and Zella Langley. She met the love of her life, Vic, when they were both studying at Mississippi College. She was a summer missionary and he was one of the students that sent her a card saying he was praying for her. His beautiful handwriting caught her eye. That was the beginning of a love that started in 1960 and lasted until her last breath.
Peggy lived all across the southern US, following her Baptist preacher husband from place to place. She was an RN with a Master of Science in Psych/Mental Health Nursing (Univ. of Mississippi) and a Doctorate of Nursing (Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham.) She was a nursing professor who taught at Queens College and The Medical University of South Carolina. She retired as the Director of Nursing for the VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC.
Peggy was a devoted Christian who spent her life making sure those around her knew they were loved – by God and by her. Her friends and family remember her joy, her stubborn persistence, her glorious smile, her goofy sense of humor, her deep and abiding faith, and most of all, her love. She lived with dementia for more than a decade – losing her memories, her mobility, her independence, and her vocabulary. She never lost her smile or her ability to love those around her.
If you asked Peggy to name her favorite scripture, she would answer Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” These weren’t just pretty words. These are words that describe the way she lived every day of her life. Saturday, God directed her path home, to be with her beloved Vic, finally whole and well. We love you, Mom.
May 15, 2021 at Sigler Funeral Home in Lucedale, Mississippi
Visitation at 10am
Service at 11am
