Mrs. Mary Ellen Payne, age 88 of Brookneal, passed away on June 15, 2022 in Lynchburg. She was the daughter of the late Marion and Susie Walker Blankenship and was the widow of the late Mr. Hugh Payne.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Deacon Hugh Payne; daughter, Roberta Andrews; and two sisters, Jerethina Clark and Daisy Harvey.

Mary Ellen graduated from Campbell County Training school in Rustburg VA and drove the school bus for over thirty plus years. After retiring from the school bus, she continued faithfully to take care of her daughter Roberta Andrews and her grandchildren until her health declined.

She leaves to cherish loving and fond memories to her four grandchildren, Reginald Andrews, Ron Andrews, and Ryan Andrews of Lynchburg VA, Renaldo Andrews lived with his grandmother and two great grandchildren Mario and Tiana Andrews; her goddaughter, Brenda H. Clark; special nephew James Payne Jr.; and a niece, Cora Robinson; her sister-in-law and riding partner to church, Susie Payne; special cousins, A. Laverne Canada, and Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Pannell, special friends Shirley Moorfield, Laverne Adams, June Nowlin, Maggie Adams, Rachel Gaines and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

While Mary Ellen was at home, we would like to thank the following care givers: Robyn Wilford, Emily Walker, Joyce Elam, and Joyce Adams.

We would also like to thank Falling River Baptist church family, New Hat Creek Baptist church family, Heritage Green Memory Care Facility and Lynchburg General Hospital staff for your love and support in caring for Mrs. Payne.