Nell Trussell Payne

Nell Trussell Payne

Montgomery - Nell Trussell Payne, a true southern magnolia, passed away April 5, 2018. Nell T. Payne was preceded in death by her husband, James Edgar Payne, Sr. and son James Edgar Payne Jr. Her parents, Beulah Alexander and Eugene Trussell; sisters, Emogene Trussell Ausfield, Catherine Trussell Wagle; and brothers Claude Trussell and Frank Trussell also preceded Nell in death. At age 92, Nell rejoiced in sharing and experiencing story-telling and memories with many of her loved ones, family, and friends. She leaves a legacy of fun and laughter.

During her ninety-two years of enjoying and sipping the tea of life, Matilda Nell Trussell Payne had an interesting and great journey. Born in Alabama, she also lived in Mississippi, South Carolina and then back to Alabama as her husband's employment would dictate. Each move resulted in many life-long friends and special experiences. Nell's fantastic memory supported extraordinary stories that would captivate any audience. The Church and her faith, family, friends, as well as supporting and engaging in civic responsibilities marked the cornerstones in Nell Payne's life. She made it her business to be involved and to contribute to the needs of her community to improve the quality of life for everyone. This was evidenced by her philanthropic donations, especially to the University of Alabama and Auburn University through scholarships and endowments.

Although Nell and Jim Payne were blessed with only one son, Nell was a second mother, sister or mentor to many nieces, nephews, sister- and brother-in-laws, and cousins. A few of these special people include: Rose and Joe Arnold and daughter Cheri Shehane and son John Arnold from Virginia; Carl Wagle from North Carolina; Carolyn White from Pleasant Grove, AL; Beverly Simpson from Texas; Pat Alexander, Knowles and Millie Atchison from Texas; Mary Nell Payne and son Victor Payne from Section, Alabama; Kay "Cookie" and Michael Warfield from Tennessee; and her beloved cousin, the late H.C. (Hank) Atchison from Orrville, Alabama. Whether listed here or not, Nell's many relatives that live across the United States were special to her.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Nell's closest friends who were always ready to support her needs throughout the years such as Walter and Dorothy Grimes from Auburn, Lois Smith, Gary and Lou Phillips, Judy Osborne, Dot Erikson, Susan McKim and her Sunday School class at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, Bill and Martha John Allison, Carol Brown, volunteers/members from Frazer Memorial Church, and Misty Kent from Dougs 2.5 Salon. Words cannot express the closeness and love shared with Nell and family from the Nell Payne Team at Home Instead Senior Care with Bill Parnell, Amanda, Matt and Hope. Lakeshia, Minnie, Valerie, Kawanda, Epathia (Goldie), Janice, Shannon, and Faye are ladies of steel with hearts of gold. Special thanks also to Amedisys Hospice of Montgomery and Magnolia Cremations in Montgomery.

A memorial service will be held at Frazer Memorial Church in the Chapel on April 20, 2018, with visitation at 10:00 and service to follow with Pastor Neal Epler In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be sent to the Montgomery Area Council on Aging for Meals on Wheels, 115 East Jefferson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, to provide elderly persons a hot balanced meal or the Montgomery Humane Society, 1150 John Overton Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110.

Nell would share this one last tip, "Be kind, have courage and sometimes add a pinch of magic as you enjoy and sip the tea of life and always trust the journey!"