Jacinta Maureen (Payne) Merimee

Jacinta Maureen Payne Merimee, 67, of Owensboro, a vibrant and exuberant mom, sister, aunt, and friend, went to Jesus on September 12, 2026, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Born to Cyril Payne and Martha “Helen” (Clements) Payne on August 25, 1959, Jacinta enjoyed growing up on Hacienda Lane with her parents and five siblings, a colorful array of animals like peacocks, and expanses of trees under which she would sit for hours and cultivate her love of reading.

Jacinta was a devout Christian who found faith and peace in following Jesus and sang in the OCC choir. She graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School in 1977 and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1981 with a degree in Speech Communication and Human Relations. She had an impressive 20-year career at Swedish Match and worked in Daviess County Public Schools throughout her sons’ childhoods. Jacinta was previously married to Jeff Merimee, with whom she had her two sons, Jordan and Jacob. Her greatest joys in life were raising her two sons and spending time playing with her grandson, Nima. Jacinta was a shining light who loved meeting new people. She was a pillar of her church community, her friend group, her family, and any organization she joined. She cherished dancing, film, music, and literature: she could always tell you what book she was reading or what she thought of the latest movies. Jacinta loved going on trips and traveling to new places with family and friends. She was active in MentorKids Kentucky, performed in local productions at Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, and regularly worked out at the HealthPark. Everyone will miss her indelible zest for life.

In addition to her parents, Jacinta is preceded in death by a brother, Cyril “Mark” Payne Jr.

Jacinta is survived by her sons, Jordan Navidar (Nahal) of New York and Jacob Merimee of Owensboro; grandson, Nima Navidar; siblings, Martha Payne of Florida, Robbie Payne of Tennessee, Rose Dues (Greg) of Florida, and Julie Renshaw (David) of Owensboro, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 26th, with comradery and mingling starting at 9 am and the ceremony starting at 11 am, at Owensboro Christian Church. Please wear bright colors: Jacinta wrote that she wanted a “party with music and dancing” and “not a somber, dreary funeral.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to MentorKids Kentucky in Jacinta’s name, 2809 Veach Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303.

Memories and condolences may be offered online www.glenncares.com