Dr. Peggy Joyce Langley Payne died on April 10, 2021 after a long illness.
She is survived by her daughter Cathy (Bruce) Anderson of Kennesaw, GA, son Jim
(Jennifer) Payne of McKinney, Texas, grandchildren Gracie, Abby, Dylan and Hannah,
sisters Nella (Jack) Sanders and Nancy (Bob) Milhollin. She is preceded in death by her
beloved husband of 40 years, Rev. Victor Payne, and a host of loved ones. Memorial services
will be on May 15th in Lucedale, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
Kenya Connection Kids (www.kenyaconnectionkids.org) or www.legacy.org/trees
Peggy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She grew up in Ovett,
Mississippi, one of 6 children of Zeb and Zella Langley. She met the love of her life, Vic,
when they were both studying at Mississippi College. She was a summer missionary and he
was one of the students that sent her a card saying he was praying for her. His beautiful
handwriting caught her eye. That was the beginning of a love that started in 1960 and lasted
until her last breath.
Peggy lived all across the southern US, following her Baptist preacher husband from place to
place. She was an RN with a Master of Science in Psych/Mental Health Nursing (Univ. of
Mississippi) and a Doctorate of Nursing (Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham.) She was a
nursing professor who taught at Queens College and The Medical University of South
Carolina. She retired as the Director of Nursing for the VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC. 2/3
Peggy was a devoted Christian who spent her life making sure those around her knew they
were loved – by God and by her. Her friends and family remember her joy, her stubborn
persistence, her glorious smile, her goofy sense of humor, her deep and abiding faith, and
most of all, her love. She lived with dementia for more than a decade – losing her memories,
her mobility, her independence, and her vocabulary. She never lost her smile or her ability to
love those around her.
If you asked Peggy to name her favorite scripture, she would answer Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust
in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways
acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." These weren't just pretty words. These are
words that describe the way she lived every day of her life. Saturday, God directed her path
home, to be with her beloved Vic, finally whole and well. We love you, Mom.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St., Lucedale, MS. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery, Lucedale, MS
Calling hours will be Saturday, May 15 from 10:00-11:00am at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St., Lucedale, MS
Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS,