Sarah (Blackie) Payne, age 94, of Iron Gate, Virginia passed away on November 11, 2018 at her home surrounded by her daughters, Melanie White and Jackie Leathers.

She was married to the late Otis Payne of the same address, who passed in 2003.

She was recently preceded in death by her daughter, Stephanie Payne Tyree and son-in-law, David Tyree.

In addition to her daughters, Melanie and Jackie, she is survived by 16 grandchildren and one great great grandson.

She was born at her family home in Iron Gate on August 6, 1924. She attended Central High School in Low Moor, VA, graduated from the Chesapeake and Ohio School of Nursing in 1945, and was a Nurse Cadet during World War II.

She and her husband lived abroad in Geneva, Switzerland, where her husband worked for the United Nations for two years. She established a Chapter of the NOW Organization in the Alleghany Highlands. She was one of the founders of the Safehomes System in Covington, VA. She sat on the Board of the Clifton Forge Public Library. She was also the Vice Mayor of Iron Gate Town Council.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Iron Gate Community Church with Pastor Edith Snedegar officiating along with Mr. Chris Fisher, family friend.

A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.

Burial will be held by the family at a later date.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements.