Martha Ann Payne Boden

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved, Martha Ann Payne Boden. She entered into heaven on January 5th, at age 76, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Martha was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on November 2, 1944. She was the eldest daughter of the late Joseph and Virgie Payne, founders of Payne’s Produce in Winfield, WV. Martha graduated from Winfield High School in 1962 as Valedictorian, and always spoke fondly of her teachers and fellow classmates there. Though she had not lived in the area for many years, she considered Winfield as home, and traveled back to visit relatives regularly. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from WV State College, she taught at Winfield Middle School for a short while. She received a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Trenton State College in NJ. Most notable about Martha was her dedication to the welfare of Exceptional Students during her 32 years with Miami Dade County Public Schools. Her passion was helping special education students and their families. She was a tireless advocate for them, and spent countless hours assisting them. She held every administrative position in the field of Exceptional Student Education, including coordinator, area director, district director, and executive director. She was instrumental in planning and implementing programs and services for over 30,000 handicapped students. In 1988 she was promoted to Region III Director where she supervised a staff of 40 responsible for identification and education of exceptional students. She was an excellent hands on leader and was known for giving equal attention to each of her staff, respecting them as the professionals that they were. Her goal was to make a difference in the lives of her children every day. She was the President of The Council For Exceptional Children; a member of Delta Delta Kappa, an honorary sorority for Women Educators; Executive Board member of MDCPS Administrator’s Association, and co-host of the weekly TV program, BOLD Presents, “Broader Opportunities for the Learning Disabled”. She received many awards during her career, including being voted Florida Administrator of the Year by the Florida Association of School Psychologists, honored by BOLD for her numerous contributions to youth awarded by the Dade County Preschool Interagency Council for the Handicapped for her efforts in initiating the most comprehensive programs for preschool handicapped children in the state and was honored by Dade County Career Guidance Association for her achievements in the area of career and vocational preparation for the handicapped. Martha was strong in her faith and loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Perrine for many years. She taught Sunday School, and was on the Board of Trustees for Perrine Baptist Academy. She loved Reverend Tommy Watson, who played a large role in her faith journey. Martha had many personal interests. She loved the beauty of South Florida, particularly the unique tropical foliage. Gardening brought her a lot of joy and she enjoyed sitting in her back yard to relax. She also loved to decorate, especially for Christmas, and make her home and holidays special for her family and friends. She loved pampering the many dogs she had over the years. Music was very important to her and she enjoyed singing her favorites by Frank Sinatra and Elvis. Though Alzheimer’s took much of her, she remembered the words and sang them with joy until the end. She also was fascinated with finance and took pride in sharing her knowledge to help others be successful. Upon Martha’s retirement, she and Les moved to Ocala, Florida. She devoted much of her retirement to spending time with her daughter, Natalie and granddaughter, Ashton. Martha loved the mountains and was determined to find a great place to escape and relax. She and Les built a home in the mountains of North Carolina to spend more time with family. Martha was an extraordinary person. She spent her life in service to others. Her beautiful, welcoming smile and radiant personality will be remembered and cherished forever. She was loving to all, and will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Martha is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Lester Boden Jr., daughter, Natalie Dilling (Jason), of Monroe, NC, granddaughter, Ashton Williams, of Monroe, NC, brother, John Payne (Yvonne) of Winfield, WV and sisters, Loretta Guttman (Ralph) of Bryn Mawr PA, Sue Littlejohn (Dave Gladkosky) of South Charleston, WV and Kathy Payne (Paul Fourney) of Winfield, WV, sister-in-law, Linda Boden; nieces, Kelly Best and Melinda Hamblin; nephews, Dave Guttman, Anthony Payne and Jason Payne. Martha’s siblings would like to pay special thanks to her husband Les for the unwavering devotion and care he gave to Martha in her last few years. Special thanks to her daughter, Natalie, for how well she managed the care of both parents through very difficult times over the last 3 months. Due to the challenges of the pandemic, a celebration of her amazing life will be held at a later date. A private service for immediate family only will be held at Chapman Funeral Home in Winfield, WV on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 1:00 pm, followed by a brief graveside ceremony at the Payne family cemetery located on Rocky Step Road in Winfield, WV. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you find it in your heart to help someone in need to honor Martha. She always took pride in being a life coach to others and would want her legacy to continue. Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 12848 Winfield Road, Winfield is honored to serve the Boden/Payne family.

Martha Ann Payne Boden

November 2, 1944 - January 5, 2021