Julia "Judy" Ann Payne

Julia Ann (Judy Ward) Payne, age 81, of New Era was welcomed into Heaven on Monday, February 17, 2020 by God, and her beloved husband, Thomas (Huck), infant daughter (Virginia), and many family members.

Julia was fondly known as “Aunt Judy” to many young people who benefited from her beautiful smile, warm hugs, and nurturing spirit, while working for several years as a paraprofessional in the Walkerville School District.  She made lifelong friends while employed there, as well as while a member of the Walkerville School Board.

Judy’s greatest accomplishment was being “Mom” to her four grateful children, son Thomas (Jake) and Kellie Payne, daughter Connie and Jeff Hanes, daughter Dixie and Michael Newell, and daughter Krystal and Tony Camargo, as well as many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. No one gave more glorious unconditional love than Judy. She only saw the best in her family. Her children will miss so many things about her, but especially her humor, her kindness and generosity, her fabulous meals, and her fiery spirit, and they struggle to imagine life without this beautiful woman. Judy also gave tremendous love to those who she claimed as her children, such as Laura Murphy.

Judy was preceded in death by her soulmate and husband, Huck. Although they did not share similar personalities, their fierce love consisted of hard work, passion, selflessness, loyalty, mutual admiration and respect, and faith. They endured the loss of Virginia, their newborn child, and looked forward to the day when they could be united with her. 

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd, 11 am at Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 S. Hamon Street in Walkerville.  The funeral service will follow at Noon on Saturday also at the church with Pastor Bob Abbott officiating.  Interment will be in Fairlawn Cemetery in Walkerville in the spring.  Please consider memorials to the Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 451, Hart, MI  49420.  

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