Frances Marie Payne

Frances Marie (Johnson) Payne, 88, of Chillicothe, Ohio, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026. She was born on October 12, 1937 to the late Charles M.W. and Eliza (Brandon) Johnson. On February 20, 1959, she was united in marriage to Richard D. Payne Sr., who preceded her in death in 2017.

Surviving are children, Richard (Kelli) Payne Jr., Marcus S. (Robin) Payne, Lori J. Payne; grandchildren Jasmin Payne, Eryn L. (Jason) Caldwell, Dominique Vacheresse - who was like a granddaughter; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Belton Payne and Legend Dean Caldwell; sister, Delores (Bill) Rogers; brother, Alfred “Bub” Johnson; nieces and nephews, Darla Johnson, Gwen (Ron) White, Robert (Anna) Barksdale, Terry Johnson, Debbie Johnson, Angela K.Payne; as well as extended family members, and friends. She is preceded in death by a sister, Mary Margaret Barksdale; brother, William (Mary) Johnson; and sister-in-law, Donna Jean Johnson.

Frances was a court reporter for the Municipal Court for many years and worked for John Blair, Attorney at Law. She enjoyed researching family history and encouraging family members to learn about history and tell their stories. She also enjoyed gardening, feeding and watching the birds. She loved to find new videos on different crafts and DIY’s. Her most recent DIY were “paint pours”, and she would have different projects to keep her time occupied. She loved her family and friends and became a mother figure to all that needed one.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place. A graveside service will be held at a later date.