Florence Davis Payne

Florence Davis Payne, 88, of Gordonsville, VA, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 22, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Aubry and Hilda Stanley Davis of Montpelier, VA. Florence was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 30 years, Kenneth Wray Payne; sister, Byrle Davis Siegfried Wheedleton; and brothers, Ernest Franklin Davis, Sr. and Buford Erline Davis. She is survived by her son, Gerald Wray Payne. Florence graduated from Montpelier High School in 1952 and then moved to Richmond where she studied Shorthand and Typing. While working at the Industrial Commission in the State Office Building, she became a keypunch operator. In the mid-1960s she began her long career with Sperry Marine System’s Data Processing department from which she retired in 1993. In her retirement she enjoyed bowling, hanging out at Bull Durham’s, attending gospel music events with friends and traveling to special destinations with the Senior Center. Florence was a devoted wife and mother who was always putting the welfare of her family above her own. She was a humorous and gentle soul who loved a good bargain as much as a good laugh. In later years she taught her son the fine art of thrifting and they enjoyed rambling the backroads together looking for treasure. They often spoke of Kenneth Payne and how they were grateful for having such a good husband and father who taught them both about the meaning of life through love, sacrifice and example. Florence will be missed by all that knew her and loved her.