Mrs. Emma Leona Payne, age 87, of McCaysville, GA passed away Friday, January 6, 2017 in the Life Care Center at Ducktown, TN. Leona was born in Fannin County to the late William Aaron and Nora Dilbeck O’Neal. She was a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church and a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Lonas Junior Payne and son, Carl Payne.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Hoyt (Carolyn) Payne of McCaysville, GA, Thomas (Katie) Payne of McCaysville, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Doris (Anthony) O’Neal of McCaysville, GA, Lorene (Robert) Locke McCaysville, GA; Nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, January 9, 2017 at 2:00 PM from the Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Ed O’Neal and Rev. Melvin O’ Neal officiating. Music will be by the O’Neal Family. Pallbearers include Jeremy Locke, Randall McGill, Greg Martin, Garrett Martin, Matthew Deal, Jason Dean, Clyde O’Neal and Danny Ensley. Honorary pallbearers include Jackie Huffman, Howard Huffman, Ebbie O’Neal, Billy O’Neal, Kevin O’Neal, Joey O’Neal and Paul Allen. Interment will follow in the Mt.View cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday evening after 2:00 PM. Condolences to the family may be sent on line at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill in charge of the arrangements.