Altogether<br/>4307 Vineland Road, Suite H-17-19, Orlando, FL 32811<br/>For more information, visit our website at <a href='www.altogetherfuneral.com'>www.altogetherfuneral.com</a><br/>Copyright © 2025 FPG Intermediate Holdco, LLC

Several months ago, the visiting hospice chaplain commented, "Miss Peggy, you have such a sense of peace about you. Are you at peace Miss Peggy?" She opened her eyes and said very clearly, "Absolutely." On September 13, two months shy of her 95th birthday, she transitioned from her earthly body to her heavenly one with the grace and peace with which she lived her entire life.
Margaret Miller ("Peggy") Payne has gone to be with the Lord after several years of declining health. Still the picture of health into her early 90's - living on her own, driving, even still playing a little golf -- in recent years a long series of minor strokes eventually caused the dementia against which she fought so mightily. Yet even as she lost much of the personality that had defined her, to the end she remained the warm and classy lady she had always been. She was right with her Lord and was ready to leave her earthly life, but will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind. 
A memorial service will be held at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 7407 Steele Creek Road, at 1:00 on Tuesday, September 26th.
Born in Charlotte in 1922, Peggy was the beloved only child of William and Almetta Miller. Her early years were spent in Spartanburg, but after her father contracted TB and was confined to an Asheville VA hospital, Peggy and her mother lived with extended family in Mount Holly, NC. 
Even through tragedy and upheaval, through sometimes overwhelming challenges and sorrows, Peggy managed to retain the positive outlook and joy of life that she has always been known for. 
As a young woman, Peggy's passion was dance. She was not only a beautiful ballerina and tap dancer, but one of the very rare people who was able to do both at the same time. Back in the day when movies shown at the Carolina Theater had intermissions that featured entertainment by local performers, Peggy's dance troupe was often on the bill. As a special treat, she was sometimes featured performing "toe tap;" literally, specially fitted pointe shoes with taps on them allowing her to tap up on her toes! 
Her desire was to teach dance; but circumstances dictated that she find a better paying job, so she instead enrolled in business college and worked as an office manager. 
Peggy was just 19 when she married a young fighter pilot six weeks before he had to depart for Europe and World War II. After they were reunited (some 18 months later), their lives began to focus on the establishment of two families - their own young family, and the "family" that would become the North Carolina Air National Guard. 
While General Bill Payne was clearly "The Father of the NCANG," Peggy was just as clearly the organization's "Mother" … from the early days of just a handful of insiders gathered around Peggy's kitchen table planning the future, to the fulfillment of that future for the next 30 years as one of the premier Guard units in the United States.
Peggy was one of the most selfless people you could ever meet. Her whole life was all about giving. She was the military wife left behind to handle family life, including moves all over the country; the organizer behind the organizers of the early NC Air National Guard; the General's wife, with all the attendant responsibilities; primary caregiver for her disabled husband; thoroughly devoted mother, grand, and great grandmother. 
She was always using her gifted hands to sew, knit, quilt, crochet, and smock beautiful creations for others. She famously designed and sewed her daughter's wedding gown based on a magazine ad and a grainy polaroid picture taken in a dressing room! She smocked so many special outfits for her granddaughters … and often created a matching smocked outfit for their dolls as well! Years ago she presented each grandchild with baby booties for their "future babies." And Gigi's famous crocheted snowflakes adorn the Christmas trees of people far and wide, as everyone who ever commented on them was invited to "take a couple." Even in her final years, when she could no longer manage her former intricate designs, she sewed over 100 blankets for a mission hospital in Africa. 
Peggy was full of life, kindness, and wisdom. She loved learning new things, including how to use an iPad for her beloved Sudoku and crossword puzzles! She loved nothing more than talking with people and hearing their stories. And though she was unfailingly gracious and friendly, she had an uncanny ability to read people that we all learned to trust unequivocally. 
Peggy was one of the rare people who did not mind solitude. She was the picture of contentment sitting in her chair doing some sort of handwork while soaking in the view of her beloved "River" from her Lake Wylie home. But she also loved opening her home for friends and family. While others may have offered more impressive décor or food, she was the perfect hostess because she always had the most fun of anyone there!
She was an avid golfer, and long-time member of Carolina Golf Club, where she was still serving as the Ladies' Association treasurer at 80! She was also a long-time member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. 
Peggy spent many years being the "wind beneath the wings" of her well-known husband. But her quiet strength was the family's anchor. She lives on through the lessons she instilled in her children and grandchildren, and countless others for whom she was a mother figure
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, William J. ("Bill") Payne, and her son, Thomas Payne.
Peggy is survived by her son, Bill Payne (Kay) and daughter Marilyn Clapp (Mark); grandchildren Michael Payne (Lynn), Kelly Clair (Lance), Christina Long (Braedon); and great-grandchildren Kieran and Rowan Payne and Grayson and Cooper Clair.
The family offers heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful caregivers who so lovingly cared for our Gigi as her health declined. Every person associated with Hospice, and every caregiver provided by Care Haven, Inc. gave their very best to her. But above them all was her Sheri (Swartz), who became not only caregiver but companion, confidante, and dear friend. What a blessing you all have been to our family.
So that other families in need may be similarly blessed, memorials may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, (1420 East Seventh Street, 28204); Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 7407 Steele Creek Road, 28217); or the charity of your choice. 
Hankins and Whittington is handling arrangements for the family.

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Margaret Peggy Payne Obituary | Altogether