Paulette Waldrup Payne, age 77, of Halley, Arkansas, passed away to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, after a battle of pancreatic cancer. She was born in St. Mary’s Hospital in Dermott, Arkansas, on November 19, 1947, to Ellis and Ozelle Johnson Waldrup. She graduated from Dermott High School in 1965. In 1966, she began working in different factories—Wells Lamont, Glamorize Foundations, and Morgan Manufacturing for a total of 10 years. Her main career was working for Dr. T. C. Wilson for twenty-eight years. Upon his retirement, she worked for Mainline Health Systems for seven years. Because of her husband’s health, she retired to take care of him.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her beloved husband, Early Payne, whom she was married to for forty-four years; her brother, George Waldrup; her niece, Lisa King; and her great nephew, David King. Her much loved and spoiled chocolate lab, Cocoa, also preceded her in death.

Paulette was a member of Halley Baptist Church. Besides her church activities, she dearly loved to cook and share with neighbors and family members. Her delicious dishes will be sorely missed at church potlucks. She also enjoyed sewing and yard work.

Survivors are her sister-in-law, Sue Waldrup Gay; one nephew, Robby Waldrup, Sr; three great nephews; one great niece; two great-great nephews; five great-great nieces; and one great-great great nephew; and a special niece, Dorinda Ryder of Hampton, AR; one aunt Willie Mae Goodwin of Little Rock, AR (They called themselves sisters); one uncle, Fred Johnson, whom she thought of as a little brother; Special cousin, Annette Gray; special friends Linda Maddox and Mary LaCotts.

Graveside services will be held at Halley Cemetery on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 2:00 with Brother Phillip Payne officiating.