Wilma R Payne

December 21, 1917 - February 3, 2017

Wilma Reams Payne Wilma Reams Payne of Lexington, KY passed peacefully on Friday, February 3rd, 2017 at Taylor Manor, Versailles, KY.  She was 99 years old.  She was born December 21, 1917 in Laurel County, KY (London). She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Franklin and Minnie Black Reams of London, KY, a brother, Charles Horace Reams of Louisville, KY and a sister, Alma Reams Howard of Daytona Beach, FL. She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Ann Payne, of Frankfort, KY; granddaughter, Chandra Jones of Frankfort, KY, grandsons Glenn Jones, Jr., Michael Jones of Lexington, KY and Mark Jones of Richmond, KY; great granddaughter, Siobian Jones of Las Vegas, NV, great grandson Austin Jones of Winchester, KY and great granddaughter, Dakota Jones of Pensacola, FL; great great grandson, Haylon Jones of Winchester, KY; sisters, Gilberta Chapman and Jean Allin of Lexington, KY and Christine Farris of Lehi, UT; many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and her church and spirituality were very important to her. She knew her Bible very well and especially liked Proverbs. She was active in the Senior Choir, Sunday School, and went on many trips with the Senior Group at Calvary and visited the shut-ins who could no longer get out.  When she moved to Frankfort with her daughter, she enjoyed going to First Christian Church and all of that church's activities. She especially enjoyed shopping at the  November bazaar. When she no longer could go to church, she watched the Sunday worship service on television.  She was the matriarch of the Reams and Black families (she was proud of this honor) and her siblings, child, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins all looked up to her. She had a great memory and could tell stories from the past with much detail. When she became too ill to go to family events, everyone missed her not being there. However, they came to visit her at Morning Pointe in Frankfort and Taylor Manor in Versailles.  Wilma earned her Associate Degree from Sue Bennett College, Bachelor of Arts Degree from University of Kentucky and Master's Degree from Eastern Kentucky University. She was a great teacher for 35 years, teaching in Laurel County, KY and Ashland Elementary in Lexington, KY. She taught all eight grades but mostly third grade, which was her favorite. When she would run into former students, they were so happy to see her and told her what a great influence she had been in their lives. When the schoolchildren visited Morning Pointe for various holidays, she never missed an opportunity to tell them to "stay in school and get a good education so you can get a good job". The students liked her and they would always gather around her apartment and ask her lots of questions. Wilma was an excellent seamstress and made dresses for her younger siblings, daughter and granddaughter.  She tackled difficult things like suits, coats, formals and square dancing dresses.  Other hobbies were ballroom dancing, square dancing, taking pictures and videos of family, playing bridge, and gardening, especially houseplants.  She even took guitar lessons for a while.  She loved to travel and visited most of the states including Hawaii and Alaska.  She took one trip to Europe, stopping in several countries. She treasured all her trips, but being a proud Kentuckian, she was always glad to be home.  Once she decided she wanted to do something, she always figured out a way to accomplish it.  The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Morning Pointe of Frankfort and Taylor Manor Nursing Home for all the love and care they showed Wilma and our family. Arrangements are under the direction of Lecompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home, 1725 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY. Visitation will be Friday, February 10 at 10:00 followed by services at 11:00. Burial will be in Frankfort Cemetery. Rev. Meredith Siler and Dr. John Opsata will be officiating. As Wilma believed in lifelong education, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the First Christian Church, Education Fund, 316 Ann St, Frankfort, KY. You may share memories and leave condolences on her tribute wall at www.ljtfuneralhome.com.