Mary Lou Payne, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Columbia, Missouri, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, surrounded by family.
Mary Lou was born on September 21, 1942, in Orrick, Missouri, to Don and Helen Hall. She grew up in Orrick and spent most of her life there before moving to Columbia two years ago. Mary Lou was a graduate of Orrick High School. After graduation, she worked in North Kansas City at National Bellis before returning home to work at the family business, Hall's Grocery in Orrick, Missouri, where she dedicated more than 30 years of service. Later, she worked at the Bearcat Den, where she became well known for her delicious homemade pies.
Mary Lou embraced life fully and loved her family deeply. She touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity. Her door was always open, and her home was not only a place for her two children, but for many children throughout the years. She rarely ever said no to a weekend slumber party or sleepover. Mary Lou's Sunday dinners were cherished by many, and there was always a place — and a plate — for everyone at her table.
Preceding Mary Lou in death were her parents, Don and Helen Hall; brother, Bill Hall; sister, Donna Sue Stagner; nephew, Mike Nail; niece, Joan Nail Lichty; great niece, Charlie Nail; and great nephew, Brent Lichty.
Mary Lou is survived by her two children, George and Nancy Payne; brother, John (Karma) Hall and sister-in-law, Maria Hall.
Her nieces and nephews were very important to her as well, Tim Hall, Dave (Christie) Nail, Nancy Nail, Steve Nail, Dale (Tammy) Stagner, Susan (Steve) Cresswell, Cheri (Pat) Marks and Kerri (Chris) Henderson; great nieces and nephews, Brandon Marks, Krista Marks, Dylan Reed, Baylee Reed, Mady Henderson, Kendal (Jackie) Hall, Monica (Jeremy) Houser, Jenny (Russ) Duncan, Jeff (Erika) Nail, Mathew Nail, Jerry Rooster Nail, Wyatt Nail, Bryan (Rose) Lichty, Christian Lichty, Jessy (Brent) Vulgamott, Courtney (Justin) Hook, Devon (Matt) Neeld, Nick (Kayla) Cresswell, Eric Cresswell, Karly Cresswell; as well as many great great nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou had some very special bonus kids as well, Cindy Lampton, Ethan Nichols, Barbara Nichols, Cathy Thomas, Wilma (Gale) Claypole, Cindy McMullen, Tim Covey, Anna (Jeff) Hamilton, Rebecca Covey, Chris Covey.
Services honoring the life of Mary Lou will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at Orrick First Baptist Church, 301 Adams Street. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made to Orrick First Baptist Church.