Theresa Joan Payne
It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Theresa Joan Payne, 89 years old of Knottsville, Kentucky. She went with the lord on April 25, 2026, surrounded by her family at the Heartford House. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend whose love and strength touched so many lives. She was born on February 28,1937. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Celestine and Rose Lanham.
Joan was a devoted mother to her seven children, carrying a love that was unwavering and unconditional. She experienced profound loss in her lifetime, having been preceded in death by her husband and one of her children. Despite these hardships, she remained a pillar of strength and resilience for her family, always putting others before herself. She was a faithful member of St. William’s Catholic Church, where her faith was an important part of her life and brought her comfort and strength. She worked at the Bishop Soenneker Home in Knottsville.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—spending time at the boat, where she enjoyed the excitement and laughter it brought, and quietly working on her crossword puzzles, a reflection of her sharp mind and love for a good challenge. These moments, both lively and peaceful, were part of what made her so special.
Joan’s greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely and the family she built. Her memory will live on through her children, her loved ones, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved. May she rest in Heaven.
In addition to her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her husband, James Alvin Payne; a son, Bruce Allen Payne; grandchildren, Keaton, Bethany and Richard, Jr. and her siblings, Bobby, Mary Lois and Diddle.
Joan is survived by her children, Ronnie (Dana), Tommy (Lynn), Ricky (Mary Jean), Kevin (Patricia) Payne, Cathy (Mel) Daugherty and Staci (Randy) Crabtree; grandchildren, Blake, Lyndsey, T.J., Rikki Lynn, Carla, Daniel, Derrick, Olivia, Kyle, Jadale, Kaley, Lance and Gaige; 15 great-grandchildren and her siblings, Gene, Doodlebug and Doreen and several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be said on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. William Catholic Church in Philpot, with burial following at St. William Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cecil Funeral Home in Whitesville.
The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to The Heartford House or St. William Catholic Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
