Jacqueline B. Payne

Jacqueline B. "Jackie" Payne, 89, of Parsons, passed away at 5:45 a.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

Jacqueline Blythe McKnight was born on September 27, 1932, to Thomas Woodson and Hattie Arlena (McCloud) McKnight in Parsons, Kansas.  She grew up and attended schools in Parsons, graduating from Parsons High School in 1950.

In the mid-1960's Jackie began her career with A T & T in Kansas City, Missouri.  By the time she retired in 1985, she had become a data supervisor.  She later returned to Parsons, and in her retirement, she worked as a USD 503 bus monitor and worked for Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home.

The McKnight family, especially, Jackie's father, was instrumental in starting the Hamilton Chapel United Methodist Church in Parsons.  One of her favorite things to do was going to and being involved with her church.  She served as a lay delegate for the Wichita East District for the Great Plains United Methodists and was an active member of the Hamilton Chapel's bible study club.  She was also a member of the Voguette Social Club, who annually hosted the Black/African-American Homecoming.  Participating and making a difference in their community was important to the McKnight family.  Her brother, Marvin McKnight, served as the first African-American mayor of Parsons, and Jackie took a special interest in the education of all children and was a member of the USD 503 Foundation Board for a time.  Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.

On September 12, 1953, Jackie and George M. Payne were united in marriage in Parsons.  He preceded her in death in 1997.

Survivors include:

One son – Ronald Payne and his wife, Scottie, of Parsons, Kansas

Two grandchildren – Ronald G. Payne, II and Molly Murphy-Payne

Two step-grandchildren – Romeo Lazo and Octavian Cook

Three great-grandchildren – Ron Payne, III; Raniyah Payne; and Aeriyan Payne

Two sisters – Mary Russ of Santa Clarita, California

Wilma Jean Lyons of Parsons, Kansas

She was preceded in death by her husband, George M. Payne; one son, Stephen Payne; four brothers, Marvin McKnight, Thomas McKnight, Paul McKnight, and James McKnight; and three sisters, Glorene Bell, Marian Younger, and Bernice Booker.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Hamilton Chapel UMC, in Parsons.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to DaVita Parsons Dialysis Center.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O., Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.