Sandra L. Payne, age 84, of Paris, Illinois passed away at 1:50 PM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at her home surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Paris. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the church, and the burial will follow in Edgar Cemetery. Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sandy was born on September 3, 1942, in Paris, Illinois to Fred and Eleanor (Lorenzen) Adams. She married Benjamin Jacob “Jake” Payne and he survives.

She is survived by her husband, her children: Lynette Chupp (Gary), Bryan Payne (Cindy), Amy Payne (Beth Hansel); her grandchildren: Adam Chupp, Olivia Roosa (Bobby), Joshua Payne (Sammy), Aaron Payne (Autumn), Juanita Payne, and Shae Payne; her great grandchildren: Eleanor Chupp, Jonas Chupp, Easton Blevins, and Hayden Payne; a bonus great granddaughter, Amelia Marietta; and her siblings: Donnie Adams, Linda Winans, and Marnita Stuck (Tom).

Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, her sister-in-law, Ginger Adams, and her brother-in-law, Steve Winans.

Sandy was a wife, a mother, a grandma, great grandma and friend. She was a stay-at-home mom to 3 children. Sandy will be remembered as one of the most selfless and caring women you could ever know. She lived her life putting the needs of others before her own, and at the center of everything she did was her family. Her greatest joy came from caring for the people she loved and creating traditions and memories that will continue to be treasured for generations.

Throughout the years, Sandy’s home was often the gathering place for holiday dinners, where extended family came together around her table. She had a special way of making holidays feel magical. Christmases at Sandy’s were filled with warmth, family, and traditions, while Easter brought memorable egg hunts – complete with special gold coins that made the day even more exciting. And, of course, there were her homemade pies, made with love and enjoyed by so many around her table.

Sandy never wanted the people she loved to wonder if she was thinking about them. Birthdays and anniversaries were remembered with cards, as were holidays, illnesses, and times of loss. Whether it was a “get well soon”, “deepest sympathy”, or simply a reminder that someone was loved, Sandy took the time to reach out. Even the loss of a beloved family pet was something she remembered and acknowledged. These may have seemed like small gestures, but they represented something much great, the thoughtfulness and compassion that defined the Sandy lived her life.

Her caring heart extended well beyond her family. For more than 30 years, Sandy delivered Meals on Wheels, quietly giving her time and kindness to others in her community. She was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church and was involved with the Friendship Guild. Her faith was an important part of who she was, as were the treasured friendships she developed through her church and Bridge group.

Sandy also found great happiness in the simple beauty surrounding her home. She loved watching the birds, she faithfully fed and enjoyed seeing the many deer that came to visit. She took tremendous pride in her home and especially in the beautiful flowers she tended with such care.

Above all, Sandy treasured her family, her friendships, and her faith. Prayer was part of the routine of her home, and dinner did not begin without her nightly prayer of thanks. Her faith was reflected in the way she lived, through service, kindness, generosity, and love for others.

The family extends special thanks to Chris Ike and Georgia Horsley for the love, devotion, and care they gave their mother during her final months, allowing Sandy to remain in the comfort of the home she loved. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to Sarah Bush Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Sandy’s final weeks at home. After a lifetime spent caring for others, Sandy was surrounded by that same love and care when she needed it most.

Sandy leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a legacy of selflessness, faith, generosity, tradition, and love. She showed those around her that love is often found in the little things: a card arriving in the mail, a homemade pie on the table, an Easter egg with a gold coin tucked inside, a meal delivered to someone in need, or a prayer before dinner.

Those who were fortunate enough to be loved by Sandy will carry that love with them always. The holidays may feel different without her at the center of them, but the traditions she created, the faith she lived, and the countless memories she gave her family will ensure that a part of Sandy will always be present whenever they gather together.

Memorial contributions in memory of Sandy may be made to Sarah Bush Hospice or Grace Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com