Cynthia Payne Lanham

Cynthia Payne Lanham, 82, of Owensboro, KY, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on December 8, 2025, after living with the effects of a debilitating stroke suffered in 2022. She was born on October 28, 1943, in Knottsville, KY, to the late Owen and Virginia (Roberts) Payne.

Cynthia lived her life with grace, resilience, and steadfast faith. She was devoted to her family and treasured being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother above all else. Cynthia was an excellent cook, an avid reader, and had an enviable green thumb, tending to flowers and plants both indoors and out. She always found time to volunteer in her community, at her church, and in her children’s schools and activities. She was unassuming, gentle, and kind, consistently placing the needs of others before her own.

Cynthia is survived by her husband of 63 years, Gene Lanham; and their five children, Lisa Lanham and Renetta (Jimmy) Sanders, of Owensboro; Ted (Jessica) Lanham, of Hilton Head, SC; Cindy (John David) Herald, of Franklin, TN; and Joy (Stephen) Buchenberger, of Louisville, KY. She was also a doting grandmother to Michael (Whitney) Lanham, Chelsea Powers, Miles, Molly, and Brody Lanham, Henry and Arlo Buchenberger; Lucy Herald; and her step-grandchildren Josie and Ryan Lockwood. She had the joy of meeting her first great-grandchild Ruby Lanham, who was born nine months before her passing.

Cynthia will also be deeply missed by her siblings, Mary Donna Aull, Bob Payne, Bonnie Lanham, and Dave Payne.

In addition to her parents, Cynthia was preceded in death by her son, Joseph “Joey” Lanham; daughter, Genetta Lanham; and by her siblings, Gretta Payne, Cecil Payne, Jean Ann Ford, Grace Mattingly, and Paula Payne. 

The funeral service for Cynthia will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, officiated by Rev. Brad Whistle. Burial will follow at St. William Cemetery in Knottsville. The family will receive visitors from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, with prayers at 6:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday, December 12 at the funeral home.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Cynthia's caregiver, Lisa "Lisa G" Gerteisen.

Memories and condolences for the family of Cynthia Lanham may be left at www.glenncares.com.