Billie Jean Payne (Bridges)

Service for Billie Jean Bridges Payne, 95, of Lone Oak, are scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Lone Oak, with Bro. Robert Cook, officiating, under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home, Lone Oak.

Mrs. Payne passed away July 26, 2025, in Greenville. She was born August 16, 1929, in Rusk County, to Wylie Cosper and Mary Elizabeth Wallace Bridges. She graduated as Valedictorian of Minden High School, Class of 1947. After graduation, she moved to Greenville, where she worked at Hagar Clothing. It was during this time that she met and married James Franklin Payne on January 7, 1949. The couple made their home in Lone Oak, where Billie would spend the rest of her life. Billie was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Lone Oak.

She worked faithfully for 20 years as a cook at Lone Oak ISD, where she was known for her kindness, dedication, and warm presence. Her commitment to her family, church, and community left a lasting legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Payne; son, Frankie Glenn Payne; nine brothers; and one sister.

Survivors include her three sons, Otis Aron Payne and wife Deborah of Lone Oak, James Gregory Payne of Como, and Wylie Paul Payne and wife Rose of Lone Oak; two daughters, Fonda Neagle of Lone Oak and Linda June Hernandez of Grand Prairie; 12 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Danny Bowman, Ray Crabtree, Lester Hunt, James Hogue, Jason Smith, and John Payne.

Memorials can be made to Hall Cemetery Association, c/o Betty Junkin, 220 Westward Ct., Waxahachie, Texas 75167.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Wednesday at Bartley Funeral Home, Lone Oak.