Leota Payne

Leota Payne, age 88, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on June 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on June 6, 1937, in Coker Creek, Tennessee, Leota was the daughter of the late Linley Taylor and Mary Cantrell Taylor. She was a woman of quiet strength, unwavering devotion to her family, and a kind heart that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Leota found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved working in her yard among her flowers, gardening, attending estate and yard sales, reading, and completing crossword puzzles. She enjoyed spending time with family and creating a warm and welcoming home for those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Linley Taylor and Mary Cantrell Taylor; brothers, Marshall and Tommy Taylor; her beloved husband, Marion Payne; grandson, Christopher Payne; nephew and wife, Jimmy and Annette Hall; nephew, Michael Brannon; and brother-in-law, James Hall.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Donnas Payne and Chuck and Christy Payne; grandchildren and their spouses Joshua Payne, Tanner and Kelsey Payne, and Kaylee and Nick Herrmann; great-grandchildren, Gwen Payne and Clark Payne; sister, Jean Hall; nephew and wife, Wade and Kym Hall; great-nephew, Drew Hall; sister and brother-in-law, Ersa and Bernard Brannon; niece, Sonya Brannon Tate; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Leota will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love for her family, and the happiness she found in caring for her flowers and home. Her kindness, wisdom, and steadfast love will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the many cherished memories she leaves behind and in the lasting legacy of love she created throughout her life.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 14 from 3:00pm-5:00pm with a memorial service starting at 5:00pm in the Cleveland Chapel at Companion Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 2415 Georgetown Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37311.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Leota or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.