Irene Eliza Payne

Our dear Mother joined Dad and many other loved ones in heaven July 9, 2018.

Irene was born June 15, 1918, the ninth child of 13 children of Eldred Thomas Lowe and Janet (Nettie) Louise Russell Lowe in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas.  Irene celebrated her 100th birthday just three weeks ago with family and friends.

Irene was a loving mother to her daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. With love, patience, and generosity, Irene was always there to help and care for her family.

In 1941, Irene met and married an adventurous young Texan working on yachts in Nassau, Bahamas.  She and Lloyd G. Payne, Jr. soon returned to his home in Texas.  They enjoyed 57 years together before he passed away in 1998.  Irene was very proud to be a naturalized United States citizen and to have made Harlingen, Texas, her home for 70 years.  She did not get her book written of her wonderful life, but she leaves many photo albums which tell her grand story beautifully.

Irene leaves behind blessed by her inspiration and love her 3 daughters: Shirene (Gene) McIntyre, Lana C. Payne, Lorraine/Rainy (Dennis) Woolam; 7 grand children: Maby(Kathy) McIntyre, Michael (Laura) McIntyre, Tracy (Angie) McIntyre, Darren Wilemon, Chad Woolam, Clay Woolam, Callie Woolam; 16 great grand children: Kaitlyn (Alex) Segundez, Tori (Jessie) Rivera, Mabry (Tanya) McIntyre, Kelsi (David) Cox, Josh Bryant, Zachary McIntyre, Lindsi McIntyre, Cameron McIntyre, Matthew McIntyre, Mandi McIntyre, Lloyd McIntyre, Christian McIntyre, Bethani McIntyre, Naomi McIntyre, Patti McIntyre, Ashley McIntyre; 8 great-great grand children: Austin Segundez, Allison Segundez, D.J. Rivera, Judas Rivera, Eden Rivera, Kaleb Cox, Kameron Cox, Jaxon Cox; and many nieces and nephews.

The family is sincerely grateful for loving care provided by Folsom’s Companion Sitter Service (Maria, Sandra, Gloria, Isabel, Bea, and Jeannie) and for the recent expert care by Kindred Hospice Care.  The family especially thanks God for giving the world Irene Eliza Lowe Payne for 100 years.  It is a better place for her having been here.

Arrangements are being handled by Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home with visitation scheduled for Friday, July 13, 2018, with family present from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home.  The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 14, 2018, at 10:00 am at the funeral home chapel.  Private interment will be held later.

Memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P O Box 50, Memphis, TN  38101 or charity of choice.