Janice Bryant Payne

Janice Bryant Payne, 84, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during the early morning hours. A service will be held at Marrs-Jones- Newby Funeral Home on Thursday, April 30, at 11:15 am. Visitation is prior to the service at 10:45 am. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Bastrop with no graveside service.

Janice was born at Hendrick Memorial Hospital in Abilene, Texas to Reverand and Mrs. Byron Bryant. She graduated from Breckenridge High School in Breckenridge, Texas while her father was serving as Pastor of the First Baptist Church. She attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas her freshman year where she met another freshman student, Mike Payne. Mike and Janice were married the next year in 1960 in the Chapel at First Baptist Church. Janice’s dad officiated.

Janice went on the complete her education by receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education/English at Texas A&M, Corpus Christi and later received her Master of Education in Curriculum and Education at Texas A&M College Station, Tx., finally receiving her Mid-Management and Supervision certifications at Texas A&M.

Mrs. Payne served as a teacher and administrator in Elementary Education for over 20 years. She taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades, working with Gifted and Talented students. She was an Assistant Principal at Knottingham Country Elementary School in Katy ISD from 1982-1985. Janice was hired as the Principal of Wolf Elementary School in Katy ISD and served there from 1986-1992. Then in 1992 Mrs. Payne was called on to open the new Fielder Elementary School and was Principal there until she retired in 1998. Not too long after retiring, Janice worked several years for the Educational Service Center in Houston, Texas supervising Intern and Student Teachers.

Janice wasn’t through yet. She was hired by the Jefferson County School District in Colorado to be the Principal of Green Gables Elementary School in Lakewood, Colorado. After returning to Texas Mrs. Payne worked as the Adjunct Professor for Sam Houston University, Central Texas College, Tarleton University, and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Janice also supervised for the Texas Teachers Organization.

Mrs. Payne made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ when she was a young girl growing up in Harlandale Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas., where her dad was the Pastor. Growing up in a Christian home gave Janice the background and tools she needed to do her best to raise her family in the love of and admonition of the Lord. She always joined the local Baptist Church wherever her husband moved her and was active in the fellowship. Her favorite scriptures were Psalm 103:1,2. Psalm 62:5-8

Janice is survived by husband Mike Payne, daughter Teri Harriman and husband Bobby, of Bastrop, Texas. Son Steve Payne passed away April 13, 2024, and is survived by wife Heather of Bastrop, Texas. Seven grandchildren, Austin Harriman and wife Catey. Preston Harriman, Ashley Harriman, Robert Harriman, Whitney Wiseman and husband Justin, Garrett Payne, and Ashley Payne. Five great-grandchildren: Wren and Taylor Harriman, Lucy and Byron Wiseman and Kailem Payne. Janice’s sister Ann Lindsey and her husband Duane, nieces Debra Rountree and her husband Mark (sons Jonathan and Steven) Christa Melitio and her husband David (Abby, Chan, and Audry Ann)

Pallbearers will be the grandsons. Austin Harriman, Preston Harriman, Robert Harriman and Garrett Payne.