Carolyn Bailey Payne

Carolyn Bailey Payne, 89 of Moundville, went to be with her Heavenly Father on January 10, 2026. As per Carolyn's instructions, the immediate family will hold a graveside service at Five Mile Primitive Baptist Church  this week. A Celebration of Life Service will be later for all friends and relatives to attend. Reverend Michael Cobb of Stewart Methodist will officiate the service with Magnolia Chapel South directing. 

Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Eugene Payne; parents, Ista Hall and James Renay Bailey; brothers; Jimmy C. Bailey (Sandra), and Robert Hall "Bobby" Bailey.

Survivors include her daughter, Gina Clary Mills (Jack); sons, Frederick Bailey "Bill" Payne (Martha), Winfred Patrick Payne (Che'); grandchildren, Brandon Payne (Hannah), Chase Clary (Ashlyn), Kyle Clary (Ambuir), Kinsey Montgomery (Micah), Chloe' Payne, and Ivy Geddings (Jackson); great grandchildren, Margaret and Brantley Payne, Ellison, Sadie, Jamey, and David Clary, Kyson Boman, Griffin, Ian and Ty Montgomery, and Jase Geddings.

Carolyn was a Hale County native, born February 28, 1936. She received a BS degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. She also received an MA in School Administration and her AA Certification in Supervision. She served the education profession for 37 years. She began her career in the Tuscaloosa City School s in 1959 as a first-grade teacher at Northington Elementary School where she taught for 11 years. After serving in various other roles, she became the principal at Skyland Elementary in 1972. After retiring with the City of Tuscaloosa School System in the spring of 1993, she was named Headmaster of Southern Academy in the fall of 1993, where she led for 3 years.

Included in her list of many honors was a District Distinguished Elementary Principal in 1991, the 1989 recipient of the Delta Kappa Rose Award for professional achievement, and State Elementary Principal of the year by the Alabama State Teachers' Association in 1985.

Carolyn cannot be adequately described in just a few words. She was a true southern lady with a love for God and people as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit. She was born at the very end of the Great Depression, which shaped her faith and fortitude in seasons of joy or trials. The many chores she was charged with as she aged shaped her strong work ethic. Those early years taught her to conserve everything, and not waste anything! She enjoyed sharing every detail of her early childhood.

Her father was very influential in developing her self confidence. He addressed her as "Pistol Ball" and spoiled her rotten! This confidence served her well as a charismatic leader in whatever role she assumed. She held very high expectations of herself and others. 

She loved her Lord and was a Spiritual mentor for many who seeked her wise counsel. She always counted her blessings, no matter the circumstances. She served in many capacities at church. Her most joyful role was the choir director  at Stewart Methodist. She was known for her heart-felt, eloquent prayers, and her heart for service and evangelism.

Carolyn would exclaim that one of her greatest joys was her family. Every Sunday, she prepared a delectable lunch to bring the family together for sweet fellowship. She often prepared favorite dishes. She had a reputation as one of the best cooks in the county, which she learned from her mother.

Her favorite scripture was "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22 -23.

Pallbearers will be Eric Bailey, Chase Clary, Kyle Clary, Jackson Geddings, Curtis Gvillo, Tommy Martin, Micah Montgomery, and Brandon Payne. 

Honorary pallbearers will be friends and neighbors of Stewart, Tuscaloosa City School and Southern Academy friends, Julie and Allan Tyrrell, Pattie Dismukes, Sandra Bailey, Donna Shipley and Dr. Scott Fulgham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice, or Stewart Methodist, 2962 County Road 42, Akron, Alabama 35441. Write Carolyn Payne Memorial in byline.