Patricia Johnston Payne

Patricia Johnston Payne, a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and friend departed from this world on January 6th, 2024. Born December 1, 1940 in Chattanooga, TN to Benjamin F. Johnston and Billie Espy Johnston Slaughter. She spent her earlier years in Red Bank, TN with her brother Ben (Sonny) Johnston and partner in crime & cousin Gayle Johnston. Later, Patty moved with her mother to Marietta, GA where Billie found employment at Lockheed Corporation and remarried George R. Slaughter. The couple raised Patty with her two sisters Nancy & Ann Slaughter at their family home in Marietta. A graduate of Marietta High School who supported Big Blue as a cheerleader and majorette, Patty married her high school sweetheart Wyndell Black after graduating. They continued living in Marietta while they raised their three girls Wendy, Mendy, and Cendy. During this time she worked at Dr. Lewis Ray’s dental office for many years in Downtown Atlanta; eventually moving the office to “the little house” on Windy Hill Road. Later Patty remarried Dennis Payne becoming a Dawg (UGA). She loved him and their families with a fierceness. Patty enjoyed flowers, taking care of animals, and nurturing her devout Christian faith. Patty found solace and joy in her relationship with the Lord and her faith was the cornerstone of her life, providing her with the strength to face challenges and the grace to celebrate life's blessings. Patty is preceded in death by her husband Dennis Sanford Payne and sister Nancy Cook. She is survived by her sister Ann Langston (Josh), her brother Ben Johnston (Midge), and cousin Gayle Underwood. Her three children Wendy Maxwell (Wayne), Mendy White (Jim), and Cendy Black. Her six grandchildren (Trey, Alisa, Hayley, Austin, Madison, Chandler), and her five great grandchildren (Brynlee, Carson, Adalee, Nolan, Huxley). As we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, let us also celebrate the life she lived and the love she shared. Patty has blessed us with a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will live on in the memories we hold dear and watch over us from above. Celebration Services will be held at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home on January 19th, 2024. Visitation will be from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. The Celebration Service will begin at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue and Adoption Inc. Please follow the link and in the Write a note (Optional) section place “In honor of Patricia Payne”. Link: https://www.mostlymutts.org/

Patricia Johnston Payne

December 1, 1940 - January 6, 2024