Nadine "Bernice" Payne

Nadine Bernice Payne, born on June 12th, 1936, in Myrtle, MO, to Allie Opal McGhee and Jessie (Rogers) McGhee, passed away at the age of 87. She embraced her faith at a young age during a revival held at Cotton Creek Free Will Baptist Church and was baptized at the conclusion of the revival.

Bernice married her sweetheart and neighbor, Albert P. Payne Sr., on June 20th, 1953. They briefly resided at 2220 Eighth St. in Kansas City, Missouri. Albert was called to serve during the Korean War, and Bernice returned home to live with her parents. Their first child arrived before he left for overseas duty. Upon his return, they relocated to Pocahontas, Arkansas, where they lived for nearly ten years. During their time in Pocahontas, Bernice gave birth to four children: three girls, and a boy and sadly, Patrick Keith, who was stillborn, a loss that Bernice grieved for many years.

Their subsequent move took them to Kansas City, with a brief stay there where they welcomed another daughter. From there, they moved to Independence, adding two more girls to their family. While residing in Independence, they attended Berean FWB church on the east side of town. Later, they moved to Grandview, where Bernice suffered a miscarriage but also had their last child, another girl. Bernice cherished her first job, working the midnight shift at Hi-Bern nursing home, where she formed lasting friendships and cared for the residents. She later took on part-time work at Ingalls Elementary. While in Grandview, Bernice recognized that her children would one day be grown, so she enrolled in Sears' driver's course and obtained her driver's license before turning 50.

Their next move took them to Belton, MO, and they attended Belton FWB. Bernice was actively involved, teaching Sunday School, participating in VBS, and attending camp. They formed many lasting friendships with fellow churchgoers, some of whom have since passed away. Later, they followed Brother Gene Howell to Harvest FWB in Raymore. Bernice found great fulfillment in her role at the Crab-Tree Harmon bus company, where she worked with children who had special needs, making it one of her most cherished jobs.

They believed they had made their final move when they purchased her sister Notra's house in Alton. Bernice was scheduled to see a heart doctor, but Albert underwent surgery before her, with her own surgery following the next month. Together, they recuperated over several months, slowly regaining their strength. A few years later, Bernice suffered a neck injury in a fall, but the Lord had other plans, and she endured surgery and considerable pain through her recovery. She always took joy in singing in the Alton church choir and leading singing, but standing became more challenging, and some days her voice faltered. She spent eleven wonderful years in Alton, surrounded by her church family and neighbors.

As her health began to decline, Bernice desired to be closer to all her children, prompting their return to Garden City. Her greatest wish was for all her children to personally know the Lord and follow Him. One of her favorite verses was Isaiah 41:31, "But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk, and not faint."

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, Allie Opal & Jessie McGhee; sons, Patrick and Albert Jr., and daughter, Debra; her sisters, Delphia Lyle and Notra Hensley.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Albert P. Payne Sr., her sister Margie Gall and her children: Joan (Brad) Murphy, Cindy (Jon) McNay, Melissa (Jim) Bagby, Amanda (Jeff) Vail, Kathy Sheffer, Shannon Everitt, Debra’s husband Tom Dean, and Albert Preston Jr.'s wife, Pam Payne.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Patrick, Robert and Zachary Murphy, Stephanie and Andrew Dean, Abby Comstock and Justin Payne, Scott McNay, Christy Meek, Annie Bagby and Cayla Tarwater, Kaitlyn Le and Keith Payne, Ayreona and Luna Everitt.

Additionally, she leaves behind great-grandchildren: Riley and Colton, Duncan and Cannon Comstock, Preston, Charlie, Knox, and Gus Payne, Connor, Delaney, Ruby, and Stella McNay, Arowyn and Teagan Meek, Alex and Isaac Tarwater, Sawyer Le.

In memory of Nadine Bernice Payne, her family requests that you cherish the time spent with loved ones and hold onto the precious moments that matter most.

Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Graveside Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Cotton Creek Cemetery, Jobe, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice and send in care of Dickey Funeral Home, PO Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.