Donna Berry Payne, age 90, of Statesboro, GA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at The Gardens Senior Living.  Born on September 6, 1935 in Drumright, OK, she was the 1st born to B.C. Berry and Dorothy Abbot Berry.

She was a longtime member of Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ in Florence, AL.  Her two greatest loves were the Lord and her family.  Donna was always looking for ways to serve others by either sharing her home or providing a meal for those in need and showing compassion to all.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Charles Payne; parents, B.C. Berry and Dorothy Abbot Berry; sons-in-law, Ron Craft and Ty Cobler.

She is survived by her daughters, Judy Craft, Becky Cobler and Kathy Craddock (Chris), 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great greatgrandchild; her brother, Jack Berry and sister-in-law, Cleo Williamson.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, March 14 ,2026 at 11:30 am in Florence, AL at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Heritage Christian University, P.O. Box HCU, Florence, AL 35630 or on-line at hcu.edu.

AFTERGLOW

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one,

I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is gone.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the way,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun,

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.