Michele Payne

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michele Kelley Payne, a cherished lifelong member of the Mobile, Alabama community. Michele departed suddenly on Sunday, February 18, at the age of 60. Michele leaves behind her husband of more than thirty-seven years, Anthony Mark Payne (Tony). Together they built a strong family which lives on through Tony, their beloved children Brianna M. Payne (Peter Breland) and Brockton M. Payne (Brandi Dunklin), and their precious grandchildren, Ethan Thomas Pereida and Palmer Michele Connell.

Michele was born on December 19, 1963 to Thomas G. Kelley and Lareta Deas Kelley, with whom she grew to adulthood with her brother, Scott Kelley (Jacalyn Sommer). For all of her life, Michele represented herself, her family, and her community as a beacon of civic pride. As a student of Theodore High School, class of 1982, she distinguished herself as a representative of the City of Mobile in her role as an Azalea Trail Maid. From there, Michele pursued higher education at the University of South Alabama, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, a field she would navigate with consummate skill and dedication.

Her knowledge and ambition led Michele to embrace a four-decade long career in banking and finance, predominantly with (BBVA) Compass Bank. During her tenure, she cultivated lasting relationships with the community, earning the admiration and respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Apart from her career, Michele was deeply committed to giving back, volunteering for many causes. Notably, she led the Young Women’s Civic Club as President from 1996 to 1997, showing her strong dedication to helping others. Michele also volunteered with the Mobile Azalea Trail, America’s Junior Miss/Distinguished Young Women, and the Penelope House Advisory Board in the early 2000s.

Michele was a devoted mother whose unwavering support and involvement in the academic and extracurricular pursuits of her children were unparalleled. Despite her valiant battle with breast cancer, Michele remained steadfast, ensuring that her illness never hindered her devotion to her family. Nor did she neglect her cherished friendships; instead, she nurtured enduring bonds that enriched her life and the lives of her friends immensely.

In 2012, Michele first embraced the role of "mimi" with boundless joy upon the arrival of her grandson, Ethan. Then, in 2019, her heart grew to welcome her sweet granddaughter, Palmer, with equal joy. Her role as a grandmother was infused with boundless affection and tenderness, reflecting her profound love for her grandchildren.

In remembrance of Michele Kelley Payne, let us honor her legacy by embracing the values of kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family, friends and community that she embodied so impeccably. She will forever remain in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her.

To honor Michele's memory, a funeral service will be held on Friday February 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm from the graveside at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 12:00 pm.