May Humm Payne of Athens, Georgia went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 31, 2017 at Hospice of the Foothills in Seneca, SC.
Raised in Rochester, NY, she was the eldest daughter of the late Wayne Humm and Myrtle Groth Humm. She received her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Rochester where she met her late husband of 63 years, Richard “Dick” Payne. Dick starred on the basketball team and May was a cheerleader. Residents of Athens GA for 59 years, May was a loving mother and a generous and giving person.
She had a unique way of timely notes or phone calls to cheer people and delivering her delicious pies at just the right moment. Her daughters loved the baked goods she had waiting for them each day as they returned home from school.
She will be remembered for her smile, unconditional love, compassion and many kindnesses to those in need. May will also be remembered as the lady who baked the best apple and cherry pies in Athens. May was known to edify and encourage all those around her. She loved her friends and family. May especially cherished the fun times at Lake Burton, GA with her grandchildren and secretly slipping them $5.00 bills.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Chapelwood United Methodist Church, where she and her late husband were founding members. Family will receive friends following the service at the fellowship hall. There will be a private graveside service for immediate family after the reception.
Survivors include her brother William (Kathy) Humm and sister Cynthia (John) Jenkins; her daughters Betsy Boulton, Margie (Chris) Pearce, Karen (Daryl) Newman, grandsons Chris (Amanda) Boulton, C.C. Pearce V, Tyler (Jennifer) Kassinger, Payne (Rachel) Kassinger, Creighton Kassinger, granddaughters, Ashleigh Boulton, Kelly (Ben) Martin, Emily (Blake) Muldrow, great granddaughters, Emma, Collins and Annabelle Rose.

Thank you to Andrea Johnson and Shannon Hardy for their loving care of May for the past five years. We extend our appreciation to Clemson Downs and Hospice of the Foothills in Seneca, SC for their compassionate care of May during her final days.

Lord and Stephens East is arranging the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Rd Seneca, SC 29672 or Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 100 Janice Drive Athens, Georgia 30606.

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