Rae Lynne Payne

Rae Lynne Payne, daughter of James William Goforth and Dorothy Leah (Sturgeon) Goforth, was born April 7, 1954, in Lebanon, Missouri. Rae was raised in Richland, Missouri and graduated from RHS in 1972. On October 4, 1973, Rae married the love of her life, Kerry Ferrel Payne in the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Swedeborg, Missouri. Their life was made sweeter when God blessed them with their two beautiful children, Blake and Kerri Lyn. Life, as it sometimes does, presented it’s challenges, however, the many happy moments created and the wonderful, treasured memories far outweighed times of difficulty. Rae and Kerry shared over forty years of marriage together before Kerry’s passing on July 15, 2013. Rae was saved and baptized at First Baptist Church of Richland where she and her family had attended as long as her health permitted. She always appreciated the love and prayers from her church family over the years. Rae always enjoyed meeting people and with her wonderful personality and sweet disposition; she excelled in the clerical position she chose as her career. Rae paid attention to even the smallest details whether working for Mitchell Insurance and Harwood Clinic in Lebanon or while employed with the Waynesville School District until her retirement. During her life, Rae enjoyed many things such as reading, shopping, and traveling mostly in her younger years, however, spending time with her adored grandson, Payne was what brought Rae the most joy and made her heart soar with happiness. Friends and family meant the world to Rae; and she loved each one deeply. She always looked forward to seeing or hearing from those she loved. On August 11, 2026, while in Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Rae went home to Heaven having attained the age of 72. Those who welcomed her into the presence of her eternal home include her parents, James William Goforth and Dorothy Leah (Sturgeon) Goforth, husband, Kerry Payne (2013), their beloved daughter, Kerri Lyn (Payne) Howlett (2023), one brother, James Alan “Jimmy” Goforth (1983), Rae’s father and mother-in-law, Merrel and Bonnie Payne, and brother-in-law, Merrel Lee Payne. Rae Lynne leaves behind to cherish her memory one son Christopher Blake Payne of Springfield, MO; one grandson, Payne Howlett, and his father, David of Richland, MO; her sister, Debbie Fowler (Mike) of Inverness, FL; brother-in-law, Bryce Payne (Susan) of El Dorado Springs, MO; sisters-in-law, Donna Payne of Richland, MO, and Linda North of Lebanon, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Heartaches are part of life and though our hearts are heavy today that Rae cannot be here with us just remember her laughter and smile; and know that one day, we, who know and love the Lord, will be reunited with the ones we love. A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the Bethlehem Cemetery - Swedeborg, Missouri with Pastor Matt Brady officiating. The song, Beulah Land was played. Bryce Payne, Alex Fowler, Chad Bolin, Jamie Goforth, Jeremy Goforth, and Casey Fowler served as escorts. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rae Lynne (Goforth) Payne to the Kerry Payne Memorial Scholarship and can be left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Rae Lynne Payne

April 7, 1954 - August 11, 2026