Peggy Lou Williams Payne was born May 27, 1930, in Fort Smith, AR, the daughter of Kristina and Clyde Williams.  She grew up in the small town of Hackett, AR, where everyone knew and cared about everyone else.  After graduating from Hackett High School in 1947, she continued her education at the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1951 with a double major in History and Library Science.  At that time, Neosho Superintendent R. W. Anderson hired her to be the librarian at Neosho High School, a position she loved and enjoyed for 46 years until her retirement in 1997.

During that time, with the help and support of faculty, administrators and co-workers, Gene Ferguson and Sharon Meredith, the library developed from fewer than 1000 books to a media center with more than 65,000 items – books, magazines, films and other media to become recognized as an outstanding facility.  Soon after arriving in Neosho, she met James T. Payne and they were married in 1953, a perfect match of English teacher and librarian, both devoted to education.  They felt privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of many students' education, both at NHS and Crowder College.  This partnership ended with Jim's untimely death in 1978.

During her career, she was the recipient of several awards – Neosho Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year in 1986, dedication of the Neosho High School yearbook 1992-93, R-5 Foundation Wall of Fame, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 2007 Pioneer in Education Award.  After retiring she continued her interest in education by serving 12 years on the Crowder Foundation, where she was particularly interested in raising funds for student scholarships at the college.  The Foundation honored her with the 2020 Distinguished Service Award.  Peggy loved her family, her church, her friends, cooking, entertaining, reading and travelling.

She was a member of the Neosho United Methodist Church, Chapter BT-PEO, Missouri Retired Teachers, Fortnightly Club, Red Hat Society, United Women in Faith and several bridge groups – Women's Club, Tuesday bridge and Second Saturday.  On Sunday, June 16, 2024, Peggy entered into rest at the age of 94.  Peggy is survived by her son, Tom Payne, Springfield; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Williams, Fort Smith, AR; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim (the love of her life), her parents and her brother, Charles Edward Williams.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 10:30 am at the Neosho United Methodist Church.  A private interment will be held prior to the Memorial service. Contributions in Peggy's memory may be made to James T. and Peggy Payne Scholarship with Crowder College Foundation or the Neosho United Methodist Church, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, Missouri  64850.