Dawn Michelle PayneLafayette

Dawn Michelle Payne, 50, of LaFayette, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 10, 2025. Dawn was born in Niceville, Florida, to Benjamin and Michelle McKinnon, and she and her family moved to the Northwest Georgia area in June 2019. Dawn’s life passion was to serve Jesus, and she did so with a servant’s heart and a desire to help others, especially children. She had a special way with children, and they loved her and enjoyed spending time with her. Dawn was always ready to help anyone in need; she often opened her home to make sure they were cared for—she was the “Queen of Hospitality.” Dawn enjoyed being outdoors, enjoying life— “the combination of water and sun was her battery!” More than anything, Dawn loved her family. She enjoyed game nights, dinners around the dining room table, and quiet evenings just being together—she cherished every moment she could spend with them, and her family loved those times as well. There was nothing she would not do for her family. Dawn was immeasurably loved by her family and by everyone who knew her; she will be truly missed.

Dawn is preceded in death by her grandmother, Eula Harrison, and her uncle, Jim Harrison.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, Foster Payne; children, Devon Payne of Denver, Colorado, Daegin (Jack) Lott of Chickamauga, Georgia, and Vivienne Payne of LaFayette, Georgia; and one grandchild, Ylva Payne.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join us in remembering and honoring Dawn on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Both visitation and Memorial service will take place at Dawn’s home church, Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church, 90 Nick A Jack Lane, Flintstone, Georgia. Your prayers and support mean a lot to us during this challenging time, and we deeply appreciate them.

An Online guest book can be found at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, is handling the funeral arrangements.