Marilyn Payne, 77, passed away on September 16, 2022, after suffering a massive stroke on September 12, 2022. She died peacefully surrounded by her family and passed on as bells tolled 11 o'clock. Despite our grief, we rejoice that she is with our Lord now and will be forever grateful that she avoided lifetime nursing care due to complete paralysis on her left side.

Marilyn was the eldest daughter of nine siblings born to Bert and Helen Maxwell. She was born October 7, 1944, in Oklahoma City, OK. Marilyn met the love of her life, Jim Payne, at Mount Saint Mary's High School. They were married on June 4, 1965, and continued their journey together through the University of Oklahoma where Marilyn graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in History.

As a lifelong learner, Marilyn was an avid reader and advocate for education. After her children left for college, she returned to school and earned a teaching degree and credentials at the University of North Texas. She was a master gardener whose yard earned many accolades from the City of Denton. Marilyn was devoted to her Catholic faith and was a decades-long member of the Immaculate Conception Centennial Choir. Recently, she embraced the sport of Pickleball and made many new friends on the courts in Denton.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents–Helen Maxwell and Bert Maxwell. In addition to her loving husband Jim of 57 years, Marilyn is survived by her two children: Christi Nail of San Diego, CA, and Todd Payne of McKinney. Marilyn is also survived by four much-loved grandchildren: Amelia and Caroline Nail of San Diego, CA, and Kevin and Katie Payne of McKinney, TX. And, she is survived by all eight of her siblings: Lee Maxwell (Sharron), Tom Maxwell (Jan), Jon Maxwell (Susan), Mark Maxwell (Jean), Marcia Rucker (Travis), Rita Wallenberg, Joel Maxwell (Gayle), Paul Maxwell (Jayna). She impacted many lives as a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, friend, and neighbor.

We will celebrate a funeral mass for Marilyn Payne this Saturday, September 24th, at her longtime parish, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton, Texas.

Rosary will be conducted at 1030 AM

Funeral Mass will begin at 11 AM

Marilyn will be cremated and interred at a future date in her family plot at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City.

She was a truly remarkable, special woman. We have lost our best friend, advisor, and inspiration. But we have not lost our hope and will be inspired by her example to live life to the fullest.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Glaucoma Society .