Melissa "Missy" Kay Gibbons Payne, 59, of Shields departed this life on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at her home following a long illness.  She was born on June 26, 1967 in Richmond, Indiana but had lived here all of her life.  She had worked as a cook, cashier, or manager at various convenience stores on Clover Fork  including BP at Shields, Saylor's Grocery, Buddy's, Jerry's Market and Marathon at Evarts.  A graduate of Evarts High School, she enjoyed making candles, crafting, sewing and playing bingo.  She was a member of the King's Chapel.

Missy is preceded in death by her parents, Homer Gibbons and Edith Blevins Hutchison Gibbons; a brother, Benny Hutchison; three sisters, Patricia Hutchison, Kathy Wagers and Connie Sturgill; and her father-in-law, Clyde Payne.

Survivors include her husband of almost 41 years, Anthony "Tony" Payne, Shields; two children, Andrew Jacob "AJ" Payne and wife, Nikki, Cotes; and Emily Katherine Payne, Shields; and four grandchildren, Caleb Payne, Andrew "Andy" Payne, Ethan Payne and Leland Brock.  Also surviving are two sisters, Willie Brous and husband, Bill, Mechanicsville, VA; Melody Anderson, Eastbrook; a brother, Kenneth Gibbons and wife, Lynn, Louisa, VA; her mother-in-law, Linda Payne, Shields; a sister-in-law, Katherine Hutchison; and a host of nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Benny Hutchison, Jr.; her extended family and friends.

Missy's visitation will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Evarts Funeral Home beginning at 12 noon followed by her funeral service at 2 pm with the Reverend James Rader officiating.

Burial will follow in the Payne Family Cemetery at Shields with her family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Melissa "Missy" Payne.