Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

Psalm 116:15 (NIV)

On Friday, January 2, 2026, Sharon Elizabeth Payne—affectionately known to all as Nicki—peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior at the age of 69. She gave her heart to Christ more than two decades ago. Born on January 11, 1956, in Bedford County, Virginia, Nicki was a beloved daughter of the late Lawrence G. Payne and Dorothy Thompson Payne Henderson. She spent most of her life in Roanoke, Virginia, ultimately departing this earth from Lynchburg, Virginia, where she was hospitalized.

Nicki found her greatest happiness in life's simple, nurturing rhythms: cooking delicious meals for those she loved and tending her garden.

She is survived by her devoted children: Lisa Denise Payne Jones (Doug), Whitney T. Payne, Donta L. Payne (Sade), Lamar D. Payne, Robert L. Payne, and Tonya M. Payne Thompson (Lee); her sixteen grandchildren, including Ja'Naishi M. Payne and Malik L. Payne with whom she had an especially close relationship, and great-granddaughter, Artys Payne.

She is also survived by her siblings: Carol M. Swain, Maxine Payne Miller Bowers (Calvin), Robin Henderson Lewis (Jackie), Barrett Henderson (Joy) , Keith Henderson, Melvin Henderson (Linda), Calvin Henderson, and Shawn Henderson.

Nicki was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence G. Payne and Dorothy Thompson Payne Henderson; her sons, Corey Payne and Daniel Payne; her brothers, Vincent Payne and Kelvin Henderson; and her sister, Tamera Henderson.

A graveside service to celebrate Nicki's life and faith will be held at New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery, 12679 Dickerson Mill Rd, Moneta, VA 24121-5193, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Though we grieve her earthly absence, we rejoice in the promise of reunion in glory. Nicki's struggles and triumphs will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.  We welcome the peace that she experienced in the weeks and days before departing this earth.  She slipped away gently in the presence of her loved ones.