Barbara Payne was born March 22, 1935 to the late Bessie and Eugene Mitchell in Memphis, TN.

Barbara worked for UT Bowld Hospital for over forty years until retirement. Barbara also worked for LeBonheur Children's Hospital as needed.

She was joined in Holy Matrimony to James Payne Jr. for over fifty years.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memories; four children, Ronald (Stephanie) Mitchell, Sharrilyn Hunt, Krisha (Sammie) Burrell-Johnson and Felita (Curtis) Walker; two bothers, Melvin Mitchell and Howard Mitchell of Champaign, Illinois; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Payne Jr.; daughter Bevelyn Burrell; son Bruce Burrell; as well as two brothers Beets Mitchell and Bobby Mitchell.