Sharon Marie Lunsford Payne, April 23, 1954 - May 28, 2026, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 28, 2026.

She is preceded in death by her parents Elmas and Doris Chambers Lunsford, sister Debra West and brother-in-law Gary Payne.

Left to cherish her memory: husband Perry Gene Payne, daughter Amy Payne (partner Denis), sister Connie Moses (Ken), brother-in-law Danny Payne (Ruth Ann), brother-in-law Gene West and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

She also leaves behind her precious pets: Henry, Maggie and Cathy.

Sharon loved and thrived in her role as a retail clerk at Belk in Asheville, NC, where she helped train many others, thanks to her kindness and unwavering patience. Sharon was born an artist, known for her pastel and oil paintings. She was also had strong seamstress skills. Sharon sang in many church choirs, played piano, and essentially any brass instrument she picked up. Additionally, she was a treasured Girl Scout Leader (Troop 149) and “band mom” during the 1980’s and 1990’s.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 1:00pm prior to the service. Reverends and dear friends, Larry Sprouse and Roger Boone will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Red Hill Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Madison County, NC.

The family would also like to thank Karen Fox for her continued love and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the National Kidney Foundation through their website, https://www.kidney.org.

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