Irene Joyce (Moss) Payne

Irene Joyce Payne, age 87, of Harbert, died peacefully Tuesday, July 27, 2021 in Woodland Terrace of Bridgman.

Her life began January 22, 1934 in Oak Park, Illinois, one of five children born to Clarence, Sr. and Margaret (Feher) Moss.  She married Larry A. Payne on February 14, 1953 in Harbert, Michigan.  After thirty-nine years of marriage, he preceded her in death June 21, 1992.         

Irene spent a good deal of her life teaching Sunday school at the Sawyer Highlands Baptist Church and later, worked in the nursery.  She was an avid reader of high-level psychology literature and World War II history. She will be remembered as a compassionate care giver who enjoyed traveling up north during weekend getaways. 

Irene will be greatly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by one daughter, Carolyn (Dan) Skorupa of Sawyer; two grandchildren, Cally (Eric) Weist of Fargo, North Dakota and Kyle Skorupa of St. Joseph; three great grandchildren; one sister, Dianne (David) Nicholas of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; one brother, David Moss of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada  and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Mark Payne, Timothy Payne; one sister, Marilyn Shuler; and one brother, Clarence Moss, Jr.

Family and friends will gather for a graveside service on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 11:00 am in Riverside Cemetery, Three Oaks, Chikaming Township, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Irene be made to Sawyer Baptist Church, 13100 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, Michigan 49125 or Blossomland Learning Center, 711 St. Joseph Avenue, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks.  Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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