Helen Payne

Helen Mahoney Payne, 79, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 7, 2013.She is now with the Lord she served so well. A lifelong resident of Chattanooga, she was born May 16, 1933 to the late Edward and Helen Mahoney. Helen graduated from Nazareth Academy in Bardstown, Ky., attended Webster University in St. Louis and graduated with a degree in education from the University of Chattanooga. She was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.Helens passion for life and devotion to her faith, family and friends was evident in all she did. She and her husband Jack were wonderful role models of love in action. Together they created a loving family who celebrate life daily, and she leaves a legacy of the meaning of true faith, family and service to others. She led by example with zest, a fun and competitive spirit, noted curiosity, and a quick wit that provided much laughter. In addition to her full time job of raising six children, she always found time to share her talents. Many friendships were made through her commitment to Ladies of Charity and Memorial Auxiliary, and her involvement in bridge club, rug hooking and tennis team.Survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Joseph"Jack" W. Payne, of Chattanooga; six children, Eileen Ransom (Jim), Edward W. Payne, (Mary Lee), of Birmingham, Ala., Karen (John) Carden, Jean Celeste Payne, Joann (Ed) Marshall, Joseph P. (Suzanne) Payne, DDS; 12 grandchildren, Tripp Ransom, Alicia Ransom Woolwine, Amy Ransom (Nolan) Hall, Hailey and Will Payne, Ben, Rob and Payne Carden, Tee and Jack Boone, Jake and Sam Payne; two great-grandchildren, Blake Woolwine and Chance Hall; two sisters, Ann (Jim) Thompson, Roseville, Minn., and Jean Wood, (deceased Hewitt), N. Augusta, S.C.; several nieces and nephews.A special thanks for wonderful care provided by Dr. James OConnell, his staff and Hospice of Chattanooga.A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. today, May 10, 2013, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Fr. Mike Nolan, Msgr. Al Humbrecht, Fr. Jim Vick, and Fr. Mike Creson officiating.Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Ladies of Charity, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary or Hospice of Chattanooga.Please share your thoughts at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412.