Brenda Joyce Scarborough Payne


Brenda Payne, 73, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2014. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, with the funeral service immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery.

From early childhood, Brenda was a gifted musician playing piano and later oboe and English horn. A graduate of Provine High School, she continued her musical pursuits through college at Mississippi State University where she received the Bachelor of Music Education. She was quick-witted and funny and was deeply committed to spiritual pursuits. Very gifted with words, Brenda edited several books and dissertations for friends and colleagues. She was spontaneous and loving before a lengthy illness and pain finally took away the joy from her face.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James A. Scarborough; brothers, Mel and Wes; and sister, Rene. She is survived by one son, Greg and wife Lynn of Maben; brother, Dr. James Anthony Scarborough and wife Frances of Merigold; sister, Ruth Nazer and husband Cliff of Mettawa, Washington; several cousins; and nine nieces and nephews.