Obituaries

Veda Jo Payne

Veda Jo Payne of Fairfield Bay passed away March 1, 2018. Jo was born in Shirley, Ark., on October 7, 1923 to the late Emma Bradford and L.B. McGlathery. Following the death of Jo's father when she was very young, her mother, Emma, married W.C. "Connie" Fields who raised her as his own and, thereafter, was always her "Daddy". Jo is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Tom Fielder as well as granddaughters Sarah Grimes (Chris) and Jaime Layne. Holding a special place in Jo's heart are Becky and Wally Guthrie and Inez Swink. Graduating valedictorian from Shirley High School at 16, Jo continued her studies at Arkansas Tech, Arkansas State Teachers College, and her postgraduate work at LSU. Because she so valued education, it was no surprise that she became a teacher. In fact, Jo met the love of her life while on the faculty of Arkansas Tech. For 55 years, she was the devoted wife of the late Col. James A. Payne, Jr. Jo and "Shug" were stationed on many bases around the world where she continued teaching. Following his retirement from the Army, they came back to Arkansas and Jo returned to Shirley as a teacher until she retired in 1986. Always an active participant in sports, Jo's retirement allowed her the time to develop a passion for golf. Surprising no one who knew her, she became quite good, winning often, well into her eighties. Concerning sports, her love of golf was second only to her love of everything Razorbacks. If the Hogs were playing, Jo was watching. In addition to her family, Jo was held dear by friends, both near and far. We were all made better by knowing her and will cherish the memories of her grace, strength, and love. Hers indeed was a life well lived. Join the friends and family at the Church of Christ in Shirley at 1:00pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 for the visitation, followed immediately by the funeral at 2:00pm with Geary Leason and Randy Moore leading the service. Interment will follow at Woodland Memorial Park in Edgemont. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc.

Published March 4, 2018

Upcoming Events