Nell Payne, age 91, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Arkansas Hospice in Hot Springs. She was born on October, 26, 1928 in Pinrose, Arkansas the daughter of the late Dor Andrew and Nannie Hedden Pace. Nell was a 1948 graduate of Arkadelphia High School and attended Henderson State University. She retired from Lake Hamilton School District as a Para-Professional. Nell was a member of Third Street Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Doris Wright, Patty Dampier, and Betty Daniels, and one son, Paul Richard Payne.

Nell is survived by her loving husband of seventy-one years,  Charles Payne, two daughters, Susan Calico (Steve) of Arkadelphia, and Tracey Corbitt (Scott) of Murfreesboro, four grandchildren, Carley Calico Morrison of Starkville, MS, Darah Nell Calico of Hot Springs, Anna Marie Corbitt of Murfreesboro, Emma Louise Corbitt of Murfreesboro, one great grandchild, Ira Cooper Morrison,  one sister, Francine Shehane of Baton Rouge, LA, and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at Rose Hill Cemetery at 12th and Main in Arkadelphia with Bro Greg Lathem of Third Street Baptist Church officiating.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, at Welch Funeral Home.

Honorary  Pallbearers are the former Dierks football players and students under Coach Payne who meant so much to Nell.

Special thanks to Tamara Rocole and the staff of the Plaza for their wonderful care of Nell during this time.

Memorials can be made to HSU Athletics at 1100 Henderson Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 or Arkansas Children's Foundation at PO Box 2222 Little Rock, AR 72203-9984.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.