Gloria Jean Payne

Gloria Jean Gillispie Payne, aged 73, of Allenhurst, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on March 14, 2024.

Born on October 20, 1950, in Corrine, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Flora and Darious Gillispie.

Gloria lived a vibrant and fulfilling life, characterized by joy, creativity, and the warmth of her family's love. Gloria's enthusiasm and liveliness was infectious. Known for her radiant laughter and the captivating stories she shared of her life and her families', she had a remarkable ability to relive and share joyous moments with those around her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her 3 brothers, Malcom, Tom, and Robert Gillispie, and 2 sisters, Alma Zeboskey and Jean Cline.

Gloria was the heart of her family, cherished as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy is one of unconditional love and infectious laughter, a treasure held closely by her husband, Robert Payne. Their partnership began in Pearisburg, VA on September 4, 1971, a journey of compassion and appreciation.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Robert Payne and wife, Amanda of Allenhurst, GA, and her daughter, Rhonda Ritchie, of Midway, GA. Gloria's radiance was multiplied through her 8 grandchildren, each of whom brought unmatched happiness and purpose to her life. The circle of her love expanded to embrace her 4 great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and laughter. Gloria will also be deeply missed by her sister, Ruth and Kennith Valentine of Circleville, OH.

Gloria had a passion for both hair styling and art. You could always find her doing someone's hair, whether it be her own, a client's, or her granddaughters'. She found joy in the art of transformation – whether through the stroke of a brush on a canvas or the sweep of a comb through hair. She graduated from cosmetology school in 1972, and worked at numerous beauty salons throughout the Beckley area, until she retired with Smart Styles in 2012.

Beyond serving the beauty industry for 40 years, she was also a dedicated Christian – a member of Stepping Stone Church in Surveyor, WV, where she was saved in 2002. Gloria's life was a testament to the beauty of embracing every moment with open arms and a warm heart.

Funeral services will be held at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Jeff Perdue officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.

Close family members will serve as pallbearers.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be made to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.