Martha Kelley Payne

Martha Kelley Payne, age 93 of Bethlehem, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 at New Castle Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born March 26, 1926 in Bethlehem to the late Roy and Mattie Heightchew Kelley. She was a caregiver for the elderly and a life-long member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where she served as pianist for 70 years.

She is survived by two daughters: Rita Payne Bright and Janet Payne Abner; three grandchildren: Gina Bright Lyle (Les), Tara Bright LeCompte (Chuck), and B.J. Abner (Renee); ten great-grandchildren: Will Lyle, Adam Lyle, Ethan Lyle, Tosha LeCompte Tillett (Trae), Brent LeCompte (Kirsten), Molly LeCompte, Maddie LeCompte, Drew Abner, Aiden Abner, and Emma Abner; and two great-great grandchildren: Eloise LeCompte and Harrison LeCompte.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Gayle Harrison Payne; daughters: Linda Payne Grauman and Gayla Sue Payne; and grandson: Marty Bright.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Rev. Garry Polston and Rev. Travis Sheehan, will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasureville Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Sholar Funeral Home of Pleasureville, and from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church on Wednesday.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jim McCowan, John Mentis, Jackie Scriber, Judy Scriber, Maurice Alan Payne, Pam McAlister, and Larry Booth. Active pallbearers will be Will Lyle, Adam Lyle, Ethan Lyle, B.J. Abner, Drew Abner, Aiden Abner, Emma Abner, Maddie LeCompte, Molly LeCompte, Tosha Tillett, Trae Tillett, Brent Lecompte, and Eloise LeCompte.

Online condolences may be expressed at sholarfuneralhome.com.