Melba Willis Payne, 92, of Mars Hill, passed away July 3, 2025 peacefully at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Charles Farmer. She was a daughter of the late CN Willis, Sr. and Minnie Lee Hamlin Willis. She was born March 3, 1933 and was a lifelong resident of Madison County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jay Payne; brothers, CN Willis, Jr., and Boyce Willis; and sisters, Inez Edwards, Edris Cassida, Edith Lunsford and Orpha Dornisch.

In addition to Angela and Charles, she is survived by her daughter, Renee Payne; granddaughters, Hayley Coates (Chasiton), and Hannah Farmer; great-granddaughter, Lisa Marie Coates; brother, V.J. Willis (Wanda); and several nieces and nephews.

Melba was a hairstylist her entire adult life. She owned Mars Hill Beauty Shop for over half a century. Her customers became lifelong friends over the years.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, July 7, 2025 in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service in Mars Hill. Reverend Warren Lunsford will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 11:00 am prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staffs at Pisgah manor, Pisgah Villas, and Liberty Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.com.