Jo Ann Payne, 66, of Howe, Texas, officially traded in her earthly struggles for a front row seat in Heaven on July 11, 2025. She left this world exactly the way she lived in it - stubbornly, with a flair for the dramatic, and surrounded by people who loved her more than she probably realized.

Born February 24, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Joseph and Mary Ann Jackson, Jo Ann was a force of nature. She spent her life collecting memories, elephant figurines, and souvenir spoons. She had a sharp wit, a huge heart, and a way to make every holiday feel magical.

On July 10, 1980, Jo Ann married the love of her life, Russell Wreno Payne. Their marriage was a beautiful combination of humor, unconditional love, and loyalty. Fittingly, she waited until the day after what would’ve been their 45th wedding anniversary to join him - probably so he could have a little time to tidy up and pour a drink before she got there. No doubt the two of them are together again now, bickering lovingly and keeping heaven on its toes.

Jo Ann was a candle making, website building whirlwind who could binge watch Charmed like it was a second job and blast Ed Sheeran so loud the neighbors knew the words. She also had a thing for souvenir spoons. Don’t ask why, nobody ever got a straight answer, but if you went on vacation and didn’t bring her back a spoon, you were dead to her.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: her son, Russell Payne and wife Aimee Payne; daughters, Amber Bhatti and husband Imran Bhatti, Stephanie Krueger and husband Andrew Krueger, and Jessica Payne; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her brother, Joseph Jackson; and sister, Kathleen Davis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Ann Jackson, and her husband, Russell Wreno Payne.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

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