Rev. Juanita Payne

Mary Juanita Payne, 87, of Owensboro, entered the land of the living Friday, June 14, 2024.

She was born December 9, 1936 in Fordsville, to the late Gordie D. Huff and Ethel Lora Rice Huff.

She married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Payne on July 4, 1953.

In 1975, Juanita was ordained as a minister after studying and training as a Lay Minister. She served in many different offices of ministry including, pastor, evangelist, state secretary for Ladies Ministry, Missions, and youth and small group ministry. She also served as state representative for the church college and Bible Institute, receiving awards and special recognition for her service to the college in student enrollment. She felt very humble to have been the first female minister to serve as state evangelist for Tennessee.

Juanita traveled 8 years in Gospel singing with her husband, Ken, son, Blake, and daughter, Micki and they were known as The Payne Family. They recorded an album at the Goodman studio in Madisonville.

One area of ministry she most enjoyed was Television Prayer Ministry. She served as counsellor for the All-American Network, an affiliate of TBN. She co­produced a manual for training prayer counsellors at the worldwide general assembly. She served on the assembly prayer line, speaking to people around the world, and also to speak at the general assembly was a great honor.

Juanita ultimately travelled nationwide in evangelism to 37 states accompanied by her .husband, Ken. She was a frequent speaker for the Women's Aglow meetings. She also ministered at ladies retreats on the district, state, and national levels.

Her last appointment in ministry was serving as pastor at Owensboro Faith Fellowship. After retiring, she served many in spiritual counselling in the Church of God. She was a member of Redemption Point in Chattanooga, Tennessee.Also, a lifetime member of the D.A.V. Ladies Auxiliary and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. (IFO)

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Payne, brothers, Earl Huff, Joe Huff, Don Huff, and sister Patricia Greer, special nephew Rev. Robert Huff, niece Becky Smith. special Uncle and Aunt, Clifford and Mary Saltzman.

Survivors include a son, Blake A. Payne (Teresa), daughter, Lori Michele “Micki” Skinner (Phil) and half brother Rick Huff. Grandchildren: Jason Payne (Morgan), Kenny Skinner (Cortney), Alesha Patterson ( Matthew),Great Grandchildren: Sophie, Allie, Caylee, Carlee, Paige, Zoey and Grant Several Nieces and nephews.

 The funeral service will be 2 PM Tuesday, June 18, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with burial following in Fordsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 PM until the time of the service at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartford House, c/o Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301. Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.