W.T. Shumake & Daughters

November 14, 1935 - February 25, 2025

Mary Helen "TIcky" Payne, 89, of Louisville transitioned on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Memorial Service 2pm Saturday, March 15, 2025, at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road.

Mary Helen Payne was born on November 14, 1935 in Eminence, Kentucky, to proud parents, William and Lucille Payne.

"Ticky", as she was affectionately called, will always be remembered and known for her beautiful silver hair, her deep dimples, and for never forgetting to call her family members, melodiously singing "Happy Birthday" to them. That's just how thoughtful and caring Mary was. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out.

Mary was a nurturer and a giving lady, who often opened her home to several young people, who needed guidance and the loving touch of someone who cared. She was a mother to the motherless. But, no matter how many extra mouths she fed, or extra hearts she consoled, she always put her own personal children first and foremost.

"Ticky" always had a lesson and a message for each of her children. That lasting impactful message that was conveyed to each child was to be strong, independent, and most of all, to love God. The children can remember the many mornings they were awaken with Gospel music playing, or rather blasting, throughout the house. And as the story goes, the boys tried to sabotage that transistor radio so it could not play, but God had another plan, because no matter what they did to the radio, it still played. Mary united with Community Missionary Baptist Church in 1981. In later years she joined New Christ Unity Christian Church. As her health began to fail, she would attend services at Community with her daughter.

Mary had a green thumb. She loved being outside and taking her precious time, planting beautiful flowers. She could make anything grow. She had a strong connection with God, and digging in the ground, gave her peace and more understanding of just how good God is. She was a strong woman, a vigilant prayer warrior, an intercessor, and a generous giver.

She was employed at Middletown Manufacturing Company, Jefferson County Public Schools as a Custodian, and Bellewood Presbyterian Home as a cook. After many years of employment, and giving of her service to each business.
Mary finally retired after working at Bellewood Presbyterian Home. Her retirement was well deserved.

Sadly, Mary Helen Payne was called to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, Joyce Bonmon; bonus daughters, Evon Ward and Elver Anderson; two sons, Sean Payne (Brendolyn) and Danny Todd; bonus son, Walter Sally, III; four grandsons, Idarion King (Maureen), Cameron Bonmon (Kambiri), Tyrnan Payne, and Tayshaun Jones; two granddaughters, Paisley Payne; a bonus granddaughter, Kimura Maddox; two great grandchildren, Sophie and Jackson King; two sisters, Ella Ford and Hallie Loving; and a host of nephews, nieces, and other family members.
Mary Helen Payne will truly be missed, and we will forever keep her memories in our hearts!