OZARK…Mrs. Mary Jane “Janie” Strickland Payne, a resident of Ozark, died early Friday afternoon, September 11, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. She was 96.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Ozark First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Brian Presley and Pastor Matt Sasser officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the church.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Mexico Ministries, c/o, Ozark First Assembly of God Church, 170 Country Club Drive, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mrs. Payne, daughter of the late Jesse William Strickland and Tempie Dell Brown Strickland, was born and raised with the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide her throughout her life. A native of Dale County, she was still a young girl when her family moved to Ozark, where they owned and operated the beloved Ozark Café.
She graduated from Dale County High School in 1947 in Ozark and soon began a beautiful journey alongside the love of her life, Roy Payne, Sr. The couple married in 1950 and shared many wonderful years together until his passing. As Roy proudly served in the United States Air Force, they made homes in various places across the country and overseas, embracing the opportunities and adventures that military life provided. After years of travel and military service, Roy and Mrs. Payne returned to Ozark in December of 1976, a place that had always held a special place in her heart. Once back home, she became a familiar face in the community through her work in the lunchroom at Carroll High School
More than anything, Mrs. Payne treasured her family. Family gatherings were among her greatest joys, and she loved nothing more than having those she loved gathered around her. Whether sharing a meal, celebrating special occasions, or simply spending time together, she delighted in creating memories that would be cherished for years to come. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and she found great happiness in watching her family grow through the generations.
Her faith was also an important part of her life. She attended Ozark First Assembly of God Church, she found strength, comfort, and fellowship through her church family. Her quiet faith, loving heart, and caring spirit served as an example to those who knew her.
In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Roy Payne, Sr., she was preceded in death by a son, Dan Payne; her brothers and sister, Odell Strickland, Lawrence Strickland, Coolidge Strickland, and Margaret Worsham. She was also preceded in death by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Ruth Griffith, Judge Payne, Jesse Payne, and Melba Oakley.
Surviving relatives include her children, Teresa Payne, Ozark and Edwin Payne and wife, Sherry, Peachtree City, Georgia; two brothers, Billy Strickland (Myrlene), Echo Community and Donald Strickland (Linda), Ozark; grandson, Scott Payne; numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Mike Strickland, Bill Strickland, Wes Strickland, Wade Strickland, Mike Wolfe, and Scott Payne. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Randy Strickland.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
