Claire Kay (Ellison) Payne affectionally known as "Queenie" of Rogersville MO went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday October 29, 2020.  She was surrounded by her family.

Claire was born June 18,1943 in Vinita, Oklahoma to Henson LaFayette Ellison and Mary Catharine (Cordry) Ellison.  Claire was united in marriage to Lewis Paul Payne on Oct. 20, 1962. Out of this union two daughters where born.

Kay worked for Ozark Eye Surgeons for 23 years, now known as Mercy Eye Clinic for which she worked an additional 15 years until her retirement. She spent many years in Eastern Star and Beta Sigma Phi where she made many close girlfriends. She was known as "Grammy" by her Grandsons Taylor and Tanner Kennemer which have been a great pride and joy in her life. She also had two Grand dogs Lilly and Remington that she loved dog sitting for. Among her many beautiful qualities was her smile, that everyone always said lit up a room. Even in her last month of life all of her nurses mentioned how they loved her smile and how she brightened their day.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her Aunt Argie Hancock and her best friend, her sister LuNell Sharp. Survivors include her husband Lewis, daughters Terri Kennemer and husband Tim, Rogersville MO;  Alisa Payne, Rogersville MO, grandsons Taylor Kennemer, Springfield MO,  Tanner Kennemer, Rogersville MO, her beloved  brother Gary Paul Ellison and wife Judy, Billings, MO; along with a host of cherished Nieces, Nephews, great Nieces and Nephews and  many friends that love her dearly.

A visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home Thursday November 5, 2020 from 10-11am with a funeral service to follow starting at 11am. Burial will be at White Chapel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to CoxHospice, 3660 S. National Ave., #300, Springfield, MO 65807 or Project Hope, 1419 S. Enterprise, 65804.