Thelma Janell Payne

Thelma Janell Payne, 83, of Lumberton, Texas, died Saturday, April 1, 2023. She was born on March 13, 1940, in Timpson, Texas, to Thelma Louise Hardy Butler and Wallace Harold Butler.

To her many nieces and nephews, she was known as Aunt Janell, but a close friend and neighbor recently referred to her with a more appropriate title, “Saint Janell”. Janell’s selfless service caring for many of her family members was truly heroic. Janell had a great sense of humor, and her wit brought a smile to everyone’s face.

Survivors include her children, Thomas Payne and Linda Payne, both of Lumberton, Texas; grandchild, Jacob Payne of Richmond, Utah; sister-in-law, Marian Porter, of Mont Belvieu, Texas; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Erma and Byron Watson, of Kirbyville, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, B.D. “Pete” Payne.

Mrs. Payne’s graveside service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Felps Cemetery, Thicket, Texas, under the direction of Broussard’s, Silsbee, Texas.