Helen Carter Payne

August 6, 1928-August 6, 2025

Helen Carter Payne, age 97, died on August 6, 2025, in Ellijay, GA.

The family will receive friends from 1 pm to 2 pm on Saturday, August 9, at Whitlock Mortuary, immediately followed by a funeral service at the mortuary. The Rev. Brent White will officiate. Helen will be laid to rest beside her husband at Stephens Memorial Gardens in Toccoa, Georgia.

Helen was born on August 6,1928 in Toccoa, GA to Alvin Austin Carter and Jessie Whitman Carter. She married Benjamin Wayne Payne, Jr. on March 21, 1945, shortly before his deployment to Europe during WWll. Helen and Wayne raised two sons, Michael Wayne Payne (Carol) of Peachtree Corners, GA and Alvin Douglas Payne (Melanie) of Ellijay, GA. She treasured her time with family, particularly delighting in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In October 1944, Helen and Wayne joined Toccoa First United Methodist Church, where she was active, particularly with the women's and finance ministries, until Wayne's death in 2016. Helen and Wayne enjoyed decades with their Toccoa Supper Club friends. Later in life, they travelled together, enjoying group tours with friends and a cross-country road trip with son Mike. Helen was an accomplished businesswoman, starting in retail and accounting positions, then moving into proprietary roles in retail car sales and local bowling alleys. Helen maintained a thriving 36-year career in residential real estate until the age of 88, building an active community presence in Toccoa. Helen left her beloved Toccoa in 2021, moving to Ellijay to be near family.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband; her brother, Glenn Maurice Carter; her sisters, Geraldine Carter Howard, Mildred Carter Wills, Betty Mize Patterson, and Jessie Rebecca Mize Brock; and her grandson, Michael Ashley Payne. She is survived by her children; two grandchildren, Maj. Benjamin Curtis Payne of Stuttgart, Germany, and Dr. Aiden Payne (Beck Schillizzi) of Athens, OH; three great-grandchildren, Carter Christopher Payne, Abigail Jane Payne, and Lyra Payne Schillizzi; surviving sisters, Cleo Bolman of Jonesboro, and Althea Housley of Marietta; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Toccoa First Methodist Church. Whitlock Mortuary is responsible for arrangements.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guest book at www.whitlockmortuary.net.

Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Helen Carter Payne.