Betty Jo Payne age 83 of Purcell, passed away Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Purcell Municipal Hospital.

She was born on November 4, 1932 in Maysville, Oklahoma. She was the 3rd child of four children born to Hobart McKinley Tharp and Clara Ann Frances (Arnold) Tharp. Betty grew up in Wayne, OK and graduated from Wayne High School with the class of 1949. After high school she moved to Blackwell, OK and was the secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. At the end of that school year she moved back to Purcell and married her high school sweetheart, Carl A. Payne on July 22, 1950. After they were married they remained living in Purcell where they raised three daughters, Carla, Teresa and Cindy. Betty worked hard at home as a wife, mother and homemaker. She also worked outside of the home for over 30 years, working for the McClain Co. ASCS office as a Program Clerk. She was a faithful Christian all of her life and was currently an active member of the 7th and Monroe Church of Christ in Purcell. Throughout her life, Betty enjoyed flower gardening, sewing, quilting, cooking and maintaining her home. Most of all, she was the no. 1 fan of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved watching them play sports and supported them in all of their school activities and events. She was known by her grandchildren, family and friends as their “MIMI.”

Betty was preceded in death by: Parents, Hobart and Clara Tharp; Husband, Carl Payne on June 3, 1991; Two sisters, Norma Jean Hawkins and Margie Faye Cheek; One brother, Don Ray Tharp;

She is survived by: Three daughters, Carla Manning of Cushing, OK, Teresa Dumler and husband Larry of Purcell, Cindy Posey and husband Jay of Wayne; One brother-in-law, Norman Payne and wife Rose of Wayne; One sister-in-law, Murl Clark of Dallas; Six grandchildren, Courtney Looman of Cushing, Michelle Stone and husband Jamie of Decatur, TX, Stacy Lee and husband George of Ames, OK, Tammy Orr and husband Daniel of Newcastle, OK, Taylor Wollenberg and husband Kyle of Lindsay, McKenzie Posey of Wayne; Also several nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell.

Interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Purcell.