Virgie Payne

Virgie Marie Payne, 89, of Winfield, departed this life on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital after a short illness. Virgie was born in Delaware, Ohio on March 10, 1922 to the late Amos and Grace Leadmon. Following the sudden death of her mother, she and her twin sister, Virginia, were raised by her uncle, Laymon Leadman and grandmother, Nancy Leadmon. Virgie was a life-long resident of Winfield and graduated from Winfield High School in 1941. Shortly thereafter, she met and married Joseph Payne on September 15, 1942 and remained a loving wife until his death in 1995. Virgie will always be remembered for the delicious meals she prepared for thirty years as the head cook at Winfield elementary, middle and senior high schools. Former students continue to request recipes of their favorite foods and remember her for the positive impact she had on their lives. She continued to enjoy friends and provide assistance to those in need as she and Joe opened Payne?s Produce market over 54 years ago. The business remains a landmark throughout the Kanawha Valley for those seeking quality home-grown produce. As Virgie?s health declined in recent years, it was the bond she established with thousands of customers and their kindness that brought her comfort and enjoyment. Her family expresses appreciation to all the employees who worked for and alongside her in the produce and greenhouse business. They were all special to her. As a member of the Winfield Presbyterian Church, Virgie found a special place to worship God and share her faith with friends. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family, Virgie is survived by her children; daughter, Martha (Lester) Boden; son, John (Yvonne) Payne; daughter, Loretta (Ralph) Guttman; daughter, Carolyn Sue Littlejohn (Dave Gladkosky); daughter, Kathy Lynn Payne (Paul Fourney). Virgie had six grandchildren, Natalie Williams, Anthony Payne, Kelly Best, Jason Payne, David Guttman and Melinda Littlejohn. Virgie was also the proud great-grandmother of Ashton Williams, Madeline Litton, Carter Burnette and Brooklyn Best. Virgie is also survived by her twin sister, Virginia Shaffer, whom she has cherished as a loving sister and best friend. She received great comfort knowing that Virginia had always been a significant part of her life. They have remained together in the Winfield community for Virgie?s 89 years. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Elsie and Hazel, as well as brothers, Ernie, Mervin and Carl. Numerous nieces and nephews are also acknowledged. The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent care given to our loved one by physicians and staff at CAMC Teays Valley, her personal physician, Dr. James Akins, as well as Pat Adkins, her caregiver. A service to honor the life of Virgie Marie Payne will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday January 22, 2012 at Winfield Presbyterian Church, Fourth and Ferry Street, Winfield with the Rev. Cherrie Sizemore officiating. Burial will be at the Payne Family Cemetery, Winfield. Family and friends may visit from 6 to 8 pm Saturday at the Chapman Funeral Home, 3624 Winfield Road, Winfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Virgie M. Payne Memorial Charity Fund, Winfield Presbyterian Church, PO Box 71, Winfield, WV 25213. You may also share memories or condolences with the family at www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. Chapman Funeral Home, 3624 Winfield Road, Winfield is in charge of arrangements.