Nancy "Louise" Vinson Payne

Nancy "Louise" Vinson Payne, age 96, of Cornelia, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 19, 2019.  

Mrs. Payne was born on February 2, 1923 in Habersham County, Georgia to the late James and Nellie Waldrip Vinson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, J Bunyon Payne; and all of her siblings, being the last of her immediate family. Mrs. Payne retired from Cornelia Electrical and Plumbing after many years of service along side her husband. After highschool and into her early twenties she was one of the star players of the Lorlei Ladies, which was a professional ladies basketball team in Atlanta. Her late husband would often jokingly say "She was the only player that could be in two places at once on the court." Louise, known as "Ma-Ma" to her grandchildren was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was a very humble and selfless woman with a heart full of love for everyone.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and David Humphrey, of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Tara Ward, of Auburn; Jill McGee Torres, of Atlanta; great-grandchildren, Brett Mixon, of Grafton, WI; Courtney Ward, of Demorest; Kaylie Ward, of Auburn; Elena Torres, of Atlanta; one great-great grandchild, Olive Mixon, of Grafton, WI; and a large extended family.  

A Private Family Interment will be held at Yonah Memorial Gardens.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 28, 2019 at the Demorest Baptist Church with Rev. John Kinsey officating.

For those wishing to express online condolences, may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. 706-778-1700.