Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson announces the death of Ms. Nancy Payne, age 77 of Jefferson, Georgia who entered rest Saturday, January 3, 2026.  Mrs. Payne was born in Commerce, Georgia the seventh daughter of the late Alvin and Lona Jackson Payne.  She was a member of the Jefferson High School class of 1966.  Ms. Payne was a lifelong member of Bethany Methodist Church and was retired from the Jackson County Tax Commissioners Office. In addition to her parents, Nancy is preceded in death by a son, Gary Sean Stringer and her sisters; “Tootsie” Norris, Peggy Shirley, Hazel Lancaster, and Teeter Bell. Brother, Joe Payne and son-in-law Brad Marlowe.

Survivors include her daughter Leigh Marlowe and son John “John Boy” Stringer.  Grandchildren, Morgan S. Williams (Michael), Jake Marlowe (Danielle) and Will Stringer.  Great grandchildren; Adam, Charlie-Brad, Parker and Garrett Williams. Sisters, Neta Hix and Reba Wofford as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. Monday, January 5, 2026 from the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home with Chris Shirley and Pastor William Puckett officiating with burial to follow in Bethany Methodist Cemetery.  Gentlemen honored as pallbearers are Jake Marlowe, Will Stringer, Adam Williams, Glenn Patton, John Highfield and Will Puckett.  Honorary pallbearers will be Buster Shirley, “Pap” Daniels, Gerald Strandridge, Joe Gary and Chris Shirley.  The family will receive friends 1:00 – 3:00 prior to the service at Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Ms. Nancy Payne to the Bethany Methodist Cemetery Fund, C/O Chris Shirley, 1895 Brockton Loop, Jefferson, Georgia  30549.

Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.  706-367-5467       

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com