Alma Lou Payne

Alma Payne, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ, passed peacefully from this life on August 24, 2026.

Alma’s life was firmly rooted in her faith in Jesus. She received a precious legacy of faith from the generations who came before her, embraced it wholeheartedly as her own, and devoted her life to passing it on to her children, grandchildren, and soon-to-arrive great-grandchild.

Her faith was not merely something Alma spoke about; it shaped the way she lived. It could be seen in her steadfast devotion to her family, her compassion for others, the encouragement she freely offered, and the grace and kindness with which she treated everyone around her.

For more than 60 years, Alma and her family faithfully worshiped and served at Brown Trail Church of Christ. Her service there reflected both her love for God and her lifelong gift for teaching. Alma taught the wives of men attending the preacher training school and also lovingly taught the preschool Bible class on Sundays. Whether teaching adults, young people, or small children, she shared her knowledge with patience, warmth, and a sincere desire to help others grow in their faith. Her unwavering commitment to God became the foundation upon which she and her husband raised their family.

Alma was born and raised in Lipan, Texas. She graduated as valedictorian of Lipan High School and became the first person in her family to pursue a college education. She began her studies at Tarleton State University. When her parents’ store was destroyed by fire, they made the extraordinary sacrifice of selling their life insurance policies so Alma could continue her education and fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. She later earned her degree from Texas Woman’s University.

Alma began her teaching career in Coleman, Texas, and later taught in Snyder, where she met the love of her life, Don Payne. Alma and Don were married on June 8, 1958, beginning a loving partnership that lasted nearly 63 years, until Don’s passing in May 2021. Together, they built a home centered on faith, family, love, and service. They were blessed with two children, Glenn Payne and Ellen DeLong.

After moving to Fort Worth so Don could complete his education at Texas Christian University, Alma continued teaching in Fort Worth ISD. In 1964, the Payne family settled in Bedford, Texas, where Alma began the defining chapter of her career at L.D. Bell High School.

During her distinguished 36-year career in education, including 30 years at L.D. Bell, Alma taught Home Economics and Home and Family Living. She served as head of the Home Economics Department, advised Future Homemakers of America, reviewed educational materials, served on advisory boards, and helped generations of young people prepare for life with confidence, responsibility, compassion, and practical wisdom.

Alma received the Elizabeth Little Teaching Award in 1972 and was named L.D. Bell High School Teacher of the Year in 1988. Even well into her eighties, she continued encouraging young people by serving as a judge for senior projects. She delighted in celebrating students’ accomplishments and offering words of encouragement as they began the next chapters of their lives.

Although Alma was an exceptional educator who influenced thousands of students, her greatest joy was her family. Her greatest desire was that her faith would remain a lasting legacy in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

If Alma could share one final message, she would encourage her dear friends at StoneCreek Assisted Living, her grandchildren, and all those she loved to draw near to God. She would want them to know that a truly rich and meaningful life is found in the grace and mercy of God. More than anything, she wanted each generation of her family to know Jesus, trust Him, and carry the light of faith forward into the generations still to come.

Alma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Payne.

She is survived by her son, Glenn Payne; her daughter, Ellen DeLong, and Ellen’s husband, Brad; her six beloved grandchildren, Logan Payne, Nathan Payne, Natalie Payne, Preston DeLong and his wife, Jackie, Payton DeLong, and Tara DeLong; her soon-to-arrive greatgrandchild; and many other relatives, former students, church family members, and dear friends whose lives were blessed by her love and faithful example.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that the faith Alma carried throughout her life has now become sight and that she has been reunited with Don in the presence of the Lord.

Alma leaves behind a life beautifully lived and a legacy that cannot be measured only by years, awards, or accomplishments. Her truest legacy is the faith she passed down, the family she loved, the students she encouraged, and the countless lives made better because she was part of them.

Her favorite verse, Psalm 100:5, beautifully expresses both her life’s message and the enduring legacy of faith she leaves to every generation of her family:

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” — Psalm 100:5