Alberta Payne

Alberta Elizabeth Payne, age 72, passed away on March 23rd, 2015. She was the beloved wife for nearly 46 years to Charles Vincent Payne; mother of Jennifer Gomes and Emily Woodward; and sister of Miles "Mike" Head. She was preceded in death by her parents, Blanche Duncan and Miles "Doc" Head. Alberta adored her grandchildren, Hailey and Jackson Woodward and step grandchildren, Jillian and Jim Gomes II, as well as her sons-in-law, Frederick Woodward and Jim Gomes, nephew Steve Head, niece Sherry (Lynn) Outen, and a host of friends and family members. She graduated from Springfield Central High School in 1961 and retired from Nixa Public Schools as an elementary school teacher. She was an avid reader and lifelong weekly visitor to the Springfield Public Library. She loved art, music, playing card games, hosting luncheons, traveling abroad, and of course, chocolate. We will always remember her tireless smile, classy demeanor, and forward-thinking perspective--a rare awareness of the simple and complex simultaneously. Above all, we will miss her phone calls, "just wondering how we are doing." As a wife, mother, friend, and "Mimi," she always thought of everyone except herself--even in her final dreams. There will be a visitation, open to family and friends, at Adams Funeral Home (109 N Truman Blvd, Nixa MO 65714) beginning at 3:00pm on Sunday, March 29th. It will conclude at 5:00pm with a brief remembrance shared by loved ones celebrating her life. Alberta will be laid to rest at The Payne Cemetery in Nixa, MO, on Monday, March 30th, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Hospice Compassus in Springfield, MO, or a "Tribute Gift" to the Springfield Public Library.