Thelma Buford Payne went to her eternal rest on Wednesday, October 7, 2020.

Thelma was born April 13, 1925 to R.E. Buford and Ruth (Cox) Buford. Raised in N.W. Atlanta attending school in Center Hill and West Fulton. Thelma married Paul E. Payne just before he went to serve in WWII. Their marriage produced four children. They later divorced.

Thelma worked 38 years and retired from the Internal Revenue Service. After retirement, she doted on her grandchildren. She traveled to support and enjoy one of the great loves of her life, Southern Gospel Music. She was known for remembering special occasions with cards and letters filled with love and encouragement.

Thelma was preceded in death by her father and mother; her brother, Ralph Buford; and her son, Mark Payne.

Thelma is survived by her children, Carole (Randy) Hogue of Powder Springs; Stanley (Debbie) Payne of Marietta; Deborah (Ricky) Shiflett of Bowdon; daughter-in-law, Patricia Payne of Powder Springs; known as Meme to her grandchildren, Valorie (Kevin) McGovern; Zackery (Jennifer) Hogue; Robin Williams; Amy Baillie; Contessa (David) Rollins; Carmen (Brandon) Michea. Great-grandchildren, Evie; Oliver; Niall; Liam; Gage; Zackery; Bailey; Lexi; Camalai; Gareth; Cooper; Grayson; Lauren; Sarah Grace; Ava; Noah; Josh; Hayden. Great-great grandson, Hudson; and her heart great-grandson, Memphis.

Funeral services for Ms. Thelma Buford Payne will be conducted on Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Bellamy Funeral Home with Dr. Major Roni Robbins officiating. Interment will follow at Bethany Christian Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 12 noon until the funeral hour at the funeral home.

Bellamy Funeral Home of Hiram is honored to serve the family of Ms. Thelma Buford Payne.