Esther Jenevieve Payne, age 86 of Mt. Vernon, IL passed away 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2016 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

Esther was born January 13, 1930 in East St. Louis, Illinois the daughter of Elmer and Hellen (Heuser) Thompson. She married James Payne and he preceded her in death.

Mrs. Payne was a member of the Christian Fellowship Church in Mt. Vernon.

Esther is survived by her children, Gloria Foster of Mt. Vernon, James Payne of Mt. Vernon, Jesse Payne of Mt. Vernon, John Payne and wife Raven of Mt. Vernon, Fred Payne of Mt. Vernon and Julian Payne and wife Bonnie of Mt. Vernon; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and also three sisters, Betty, Alma, and Marcella.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Bonnie Payne; grandson Jeremy Payne; and also two brothers, Elmer and Eugene.

A memorial service under the direction of the Payne family will be held 6 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2016 at the Family Life Assembly of God (2901 Veterans Memorial Drive Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864), with Pastor Tom Hunter officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date in Farnsworth Cemetery.

For those who wish you may make memorials to the Christian Fellowship Church and may be mail to the church at 2416 Cherry Street Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864.

For more information you may call Newell Funeral Home at 246-0100 or visit at www.newellfuneralhome.com.