Bessie Moore Payne

Bessie Moore Payne, a beloved homemaker and cherished member of her community, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. She was born on July 29, 1937, in Haywood County, where she spent her early years and later raised her family.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Payne was known for her warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, Barbara Creasman (Eddie) of Canton, Diana Tankersley (Gary) of Seale, Alabama, and Elaine Swanger (Mike) of Clyde, as well as her son, Clay Payne (Paula) of Candler. Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson, all whom loved her dearly.

Mrs. Payne is survived by four sisters: Ruth Messer (Lowell) of Gastonia, Patsy Weaver of Waynesville, Ethel Moore of Clyde, and Arlene Price of Waynesville; and five brothers: George Moore of Winston-Salem, David Moore of Clyde, Andrew Moore of Weaverville, Charles Moore of Clyde, and Kenneth Moore of Mill Springs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tommy and Ina Ledford Moore, her husband, Clayton Payne, who passed in 1992, and nine siblings.

Mrs. Payne enjoyed many hobbies, particularly bowling and tending to her beautiful flower garden, where she found peace and fulfillment. She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Gary Tankersley officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:45 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Maintenance Fund, 39 Robinson Road, Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Mrs. Payne has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.