Carolyn Bailey Payne was born on February 28, 1936, and died on January 10, 2026, at the age of 89.
A longtime Hale County resident and veteran educator, Mrs. Payne served for many years as principal of Skyland Elementary School in Tuscaloosa and later as headmaster of Southern Academy in Greensboro.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Stewart Methodist Church, with Rev. Michael Cobb officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice or to Stewart Methodist Church, 2962 County Road 42, Akron, AL 35441, with “Carolyn Payne Memorial” noted on the “for” line.
