Mary Alice Payne

Mary Alice Payne, age 99, of Crossville, TN, passed away at her daughter’s home on August 10, 2024. Alice was born on February 13, 1925, in Bountiful, Utah, daughter of the late Clifton Parrish and Elizabeth (Robbins) Parrish. Alice was a homemaker and was of the Christian Faith. She enjoyed reading, crafts, sewing, and playing cards. She was an Air Force wife and was stationed in Alaska, Okinawa, and Belgium, as well as several different States before her husband retired and they moved to Crossville. Alice was active at the Cumberland County Playhouse for over 30 years as a seamstress, performer, and concession stand manager. She is survived by her daughter, Patty Payne; sons, Jerry Payne (Jamie), Randy Payne (Deana), and Jim Payne. She was a loving grandmother to Tiffany (Robert), Tammy, Aaron (Tara), Matthew (Laura), Jason, Brian (Kristy), Emily (Ruben), Eric (Chiffaun), and Taylor (Mark) and a great-grandmother of 18, Parker, Christian, Haylee, Ella, Ben, Lily, Landon, Annabelle, Connor, Elijah, Mirabel, Grace, Ava, Sawyer, Bella, Blissy, Crosby, and Griffin. In addition to her parents, Alice is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert (Gib) Payne; son, Ron Payne; grandson, Eric Payne; sisters, Lorene Bircumshaw, Leah Benjamin, Wanda Lowe, and Doris Stevens; and brother, Tom Parrish. A Celebration of her Life will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 12:30 PM. Burial will follow at Turner Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The family is also asking that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Cumberland County Playhouse on their website, ccplayhouse.com with a note “In memory of Alice Payne,” or by contacting Katy Parrent at the Playhouse at (931) 484-5000, ext. 118. Arrangements and Care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.