Irma Griffin Payne, age 98, of Homer, Georgia, went home on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Mrs. Payne was born on April 7, 1927, in Banks County, Georgia, to the late Ralph Griffin and Ladie Wood Griffin Short. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roy Payne; son-in-law, Gary Whitfield; brother, Marlin Griffin; brothers-in-law, Johnny Ervin, Guy Payne, Fred Payne, William Payne; sister-in-law, Julia Payne Williams; and great-granddaughter, Avery Michelle Whitfield. She was a proud graduate of Banks County High School, Class of 1944. Irma devoted many years of her working life to the children and families of Banks County Schools, retiring after faithful service as a school bus driver. A woman of strong faith, Irma was a devoted member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, where she found great comfort, fellowship, and spiritual guidance throughout her life. Irma will be remembered for her quiet strength, steady work ethic, and deep commitment to both her faith and her community.
Survivors include her daughter, Lynn Whitfield, of Homer; daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Steve Ayers, of Homer; Penny and Darrel McMahan, of Homer; grandchildren, Lisa and Chris Moore, of Pensacola, FL; Tina and James Willis, of Gainesville; Chris and Laurie Whitfield, of Elberton; Barry Whitfield, of Homer; Amy Ayers, of Homer; Jamie Ayers, of Springfield, GA; Josh and Brittney McMahan, of Homer; Cody and Reide McMahan, of Homer; twelve great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, sister, LaJane Ervin, Homer; a number of nieces and nephews, Bethe Kellum, Commerce, who lived in the home during her teen years; special friends, Francine Smith and Ann Highsmith
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church with Rev. Tim Beasley officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel.
Flowers are welcome; however, the family encourages that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery, 855 Payne Road, Homer, Georgia 30547.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.
