Edith Payne, 86, of Lake Charles, passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 at a local care facility. A native of Ebarb, La. Edith was born on July 1, 1937, to Jacob and Mary Sepulvado. Edith married the love of her life, Leonard Payne on June 1, 1957. A marriage that lasted over 66 years until his death on Sept. 23, 2023.

Edith worked as a telephone operator at Southwestern Bell, later AT&T, where she retired with over 25 years of service. She was a Union Steward and a member of the Southern Bells women’s service group.

Throughout her life, Edith spent time traveling with her family across the United States and abroad. She had a love for travel and a passion for sewing, crafting and cake decorating, that was only surpassed by her love of family.

Edith is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Leonard Payne; sisters, Ruby Simpkins, Myrtie Miles, Della Remedies; brothers, Bert Sepulvado, Charles Ray Sepulvado and Jacob Theodore Sepulvado.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving daughter, Pamela Payne; brother, Orvil Sepulvado; sisters, Margaret Shreve, Inez Seasock, Agatha Martinez and Joyce LeJeune along with a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St., Lake Charles, LA. 70605.  A Rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m. with Catholic funeral rite to be celebrated at 12 p.m. also at the funeral home.  Pallbearers will be Coy Waggoner, Baylor Waggoner, Baron Waggoner, Joe Colombo, Steven Colombo and Jon Jon Comeaux.  Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Consolata Cemetery.