04/08/2022
Every day with Grace Payne was a gift to everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She had an ability to immediately connect with people and to light up any room she entered. She lived an active life, enjoying running, cross country skiing and, perhaps most of all, time with her dogs.
Grace was a successful entrepreneur, owning her own consulting business in the petroleum industry. She is survived by her husband, Joe Payne. Together they were enjoying retirement in Madison County, NC, which they had called their home for many years.
Grace died on July 30, 2022, surrounded by loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Irene Gross. She is survived by her stepsons, Bob (Marsha) and Dennis (Stephanie) Payne; brothers Mike and Jim Gross; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 beginning at 2:00 PM at Broyhill Chapel at Mars Hill University, 265 Cascade Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754. In honor of Grace’s love for fresh cut flowers, the family requests that attendees bring a favorite stem flower. In lieu of traditional floral displays, please consider donating in Grace’s memory to the Madison County Animal Shelter, 389 Long Branch Road, Marshall, NC 28753.
