Opal Virginia (Stewart) Payne

Opal Virginia Payne, 91 of Vinton, Ohio passed away Sunday April 11, 2021 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born June 2, 1929 in Mercerville, Ohio, daughter of the late Oty M. Stewart and Sabra M. (Donnally) Stewart. Opal was a member of Vinton Baptist Church, The Ladies Fellowship of Vinton Baptist Church and Vinton Eastern Star #375. She married John Aaron Payne May 14, 1950 in the Vinton Baptist Church and he preceded her in death January 20, 2016. Together John and Opal owned and operated P. Patch Farm until their retirement.

Opal shared her life with John working side by side on the dairy farm with milking the cows, feeding calves and baling hay, just to name a few chores. Together they instilled in the family hard work, dedication and responsibility and to always lend a helping hand to your neighbor.  Opal was also active in other agricultural organizations. If asked of Opal what she felt was most important in her life, she would probably tell you FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ, being surrounded by FAMILY and FRIENDS and the FAMILY FARM.

Opal was a faithful life member of Vinton Baptist Church serving in numerous roles, two in particular that she enjoyed were on the Fellowship Team and the Food Pantry. She was a dedicated 73-year member of Vinton Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and there were very few of those years she did not hold an office. She served on the Gallia County Jr. Fair Board and was a 4-H Advisor for years .

Opal's family wishes to thank her loving and caring family of caregivers: Sharon, Judi, Connie, Jamie and Diana. The family also greatly appreciates the tender care of the Holzer Hospice Staff for the last several months.

Opal is survived by two daughters: Jerri (David) Samples, Ray, Ohio and Kathy (Rodney) Alderman, Vinton, Ohio and a son, Johnny (Denise) Payne, Vinton, Ohio; grandchildren: Alison (Chris) Jones, Michael (Kristi) Samples, John (Stephanie) Samples, Jill (Aaron) Fuss, Chris (Luciana) Alderman, Ryan (Michelle) Alderman, Kari (Andy) Wingerter, Craig (Angie) Payne, Scott (Jamie) Payne and Beth (Joey) Graham; great-grandchildren: Talyn, Hadley, Kade, Isaac, Amelia, Reid, Aftyn, Ethan, Rogan, Briggs, Ella, Jensen, Truman, Emma, Jane, Corbin, Theodore, Lucas, Eli and Cole; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Stewart, Gallipolis, Ohio and Annalee Payne, Ukiah, California.

In addition to her husband and parents Opal was preceded in death by her brother, Norman L. Stewart.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the Vinton Baptist Church with Pastor Heath Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Vinton Memorial Park, Vinton, Ohio. Family and friends may call at the church Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and one hour prior to services on Saturday. Eastern Star services will be conducted by the Vinton Order of Eastern Star #375 7:45 PM Friday at the church. The McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel, is honored to serve the Payne Family.

In lieu of flowers, the family request a donation to the Gallia County Fair Location Fund, P.O. Box 931, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 or Canter's Cave 4-H Camp, 1362 Caves Road, Jackson, Ohio 45640.

PLEASE NOTE: To respect the safety of the family and in accordance with CDC Regulations and current COVID-19 Pandemic Protocol, face coverings are required, and social distancing is requested in the church during visitation and funeral services. We respectfully ask that visitors not linger during the visitation hours. We and the family thank you for this consideration.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mccoymoore.com