1922
Mary
2016
Mary Gene Kelly (Kelly) Payne
August 22, 1922 — March 17, 2016
Aztec, NM
Mary Gene Kelly Payne
August 22, 1922 - March 17, 2016
Mary Gene Kelly Payne passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the age of 93. Mary Gene was born on August 22, 1922 to Mary Margaret Shannon and Eugene James Kelly and raised in Ottawa, KS. She attended St. Mary's Junior College in Raleigh, NC. Then, graduated from the University of Texas Austin with a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1944.
She was immediately hired to work, during the war years, at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times as a reporter/photographer. During this time she discovered her lifelong love of birdwatching and spent many hours beachcombing at Padre Island. She also did freelance public relations work for charitable organizations. During her years in Corpus Christi she married and started a family.
After relocating to Silver City, New Mexico, in the early 1960's, she returned to college to pursue her teaching certification and begin her career in education. Then, living in Southern New Mexico, she taught in the Gadsden School District, in Anthony, NM from 1968 until she retired in 1986.
Her hobbies included photography, genealogy, birdwatching, and traveling. She was a world traveler who visited Ireland, Israel, England, and many locations throughout the United States.
She was a member of the Anthony United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Gadsden Association of Educational Retirees. She served on the board of the Valley Public Library in Anthony, NM
She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert McGee Payne, son, James Shannon Payne, her parents, Mary Margaret Shannon Kelly and Eugene James Kelly, one sister, Lorena Ann Kelly.
She is survived by her son, Charles Joseph Payne (Pam) of El Paso, TX, daughter, Mary Ann Norris (Kenny) of Aztec, NM, grandchildren: Kelly Bencomo (Steven) of Farmington, NM, Shane Peacock, Quinten Peacock, and Aaron Moore all of Aztec, NM, Dale Payne of Seattle, WA, and Ashley Payne of El Paso, TX, Karen Rosel of Austin, TX, and Sara Rhoton, and five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Anthony United Methodist Church on June 11, 2016 at 10:00. In Leiu of flowers may be made to Anthony United Methodist Church or Gadsden Association of Retired Educators Scholarship Fund.
Viola's care is entrusted to Alternative Choice Funeral Home 804 N. Dustin (505)325-9611. Those who wish to leave condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.
Mary Gene Kelly Payne
August 22, 1922 - March 17, 2016
Mary Gene Kelly Payne passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the age of 93. Mary Gene was born on August 22, 1922 to Mary Margaret Shannon and Eugene James Kelly and raised in Ottawa, KS. She attended St. Mary's Junior College in Raleigh, NC. Then, graduated from the University of Texas Austin with a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1944.
She was immediately hired to work, during the war years, at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times as a reporter/photographer. During this time she discovered her lifelong love of birdwatching and spent many hours beachcombing at Padre Island. She also did freelance public relations work for charitable organizations. During her years in Corpus Christi she married and started a family.
After relocating to Silver City, New Mexico, in the early 1960's, she returned to college to pursue her teaching certification and begin her career in education. Then, living in Southern New Mexico, she taught in the Gadsden School District, in Anthony, NM from 1968 until she retired in 1986.
Her hobbies included photography, genealogy, birdwatching, and traveling. She was a world traveler who visited Ireland, Israel, England, and many locations throughout the United States.
She was a member of the Anthony United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Gadsden Association of Educational Retirees. She served on the board of the Valley Public Library in Anthony, NM
She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert McGee Payne, son, James Shannon Payne, her parents, Mary Margaret Shannon Kelly and Eugene James Kelly, one sister, Lorena Ann Kelly.
She is survived by her son, Charles Joseph Payne (Pam) of El Paso, TX, daughter, Mary Ann Norris (Kenny) of Aztec, NM, grandchildren: Kelly Bencomo (Steven) of Farmington, NM, Shane Peacock, Quinten Peacock, and Aaron Moore all of Aztec, NM, Dale Payne of Seattle, WA, and Ashley Payne of El Paso, TX, Karen Rosel of Austin, TX, and Sara Rhoton, and five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Anthony United Methodist Church on June 11, 2016 at 10:00. In Leiu of flowers may be made to Anthony United Methodist Church or Gadsden Association of Retired Educators Scholarship Fund.
Viola's care is entrusted to Alternative Choice Funeral Home 804 N. Dustin (505)325-9611. Those who wish to leave condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Gene Kelly (Kelly) Payne, please visit our flower store.
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