Peggy Payne

Peggy Payne, 88, of Atlanta, GA, and Scaly Mountain, NC, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

Born on August 12, 1936, in Henderson, NC, to the late Kathryn (Lumley) Marshall, Peggy spent her early years in the Carolinas before moving to Ohio at the age of 13. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother and her late husband, Thomas Payne.

Peggy is survived by her sister, Dorothy Damschroder; nieces Leslie Damschroder and Amy Cuzzupoli; nephews Jeff and Doug Damschroder, and Kevin Shaffer; as well as Katie and John Patterson, and Megan Watson. Peggy also touched the lives of her many grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Miami University in Ohio, Peggy earned a degree in Education while being an active and proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. In 1958, she embarked on a remarkable 50-year career as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines, where she made many friends and traveled the world.

In 1966, Peggy married Tom Payne of Newcastle, IN. Tom was a graduate of Indiana University and a successful businessman. Together, they called Miami, Chicago, and Boston home before settling in Atlanta and later retiring to the picturesque mountains of North Carolina.

Peggy was a creative spirit with a flair for fashion, always “dressed to the nines.” She expressed her artistry through photography, painting, weaving, pottery, and crafting unique rag dolls. Her love of animals was evident, as she and Tom provided a loving home to 15 dogs and five cats over the years. In the mountains she fed “her” bluebirds and photographed them along with hundreds of hummingbirds and a few bears. 

Peggy and Tom shared a passion for hosting unforgettable dinner parties, featuring Tom’s culinary talents, exquisite wines, lively rounds of croquet, and warm hospitality. Their travels took them across the globe.

A generous and community-minded individual, Peggy enjoyed philanthropy, including fundraising for the Atlanta Zoo and her local community causes. Her kindness, creativity, and zest for life touched everyone who knew her.

Peggy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she brightened.

There will be no public services and the family suggests that those interested, donate to your local animal shelter or wildlife sanctuary in her name.