Barbara A. Payne
PEKIN - Barbara A. Payne, 82, of Pekin passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023, at home, with her daughters.
She was born in Tovey, Illinois, on January 20, 1941, to Antone and Flora (Moriconi) DuPage. On December 20, 1969, Barb married J. Douglas Payne; they were partners for over 42 years until his death on February 20, 2012. Also preceding her in death were her parents and one nephew, Stephen Minch.
Barb adored her family and is survived by one son, Brad (Nancy) Korb of Burbank, California; two daughters, Sara Blackburn and Elisa (Patrick) Davidson, both of Pekin; five grandchildren, Courtney, Tyler, Xavier, Kyle and Sutton; one great-granddaughter, Dylan; one sister, Patricia (Jerry) Minch; and one cousin, Loretta Tucker, who was like a sister to her.
As a Devote Catholic, Barb was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the St. Joseph Altar & Rosary Society. She was a graduate of Pekin Community High School and St. Francis School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse for many years. Additionally, she and her husband owned Payne Realty. She was a lifelong selfless care-giver for her patients, family and friends; she always found opportunities to serve others. Barb loved animals, especially her many dogs, cats and horses. She enjoyed gardening, being outdoors and watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Barb was an avid reader and liked to watch crime dramas. Above all, Barb was fiercely loyal and loving to her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a friend to so many and was known for her generosity and kindness. Barb will be greatly missed.
A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Michael Andrejek as celebrant. Visitation at the church will be held one hour before the mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS) or the Alzheimer’s Association. To leave the family an online condolence, visit www.hendersonfuneralcare.com.