Donna Lee Wray Payne, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Trinity Glen in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Born on November 6, 1941, to the late George Francis and Ruth (May) Wray in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Donna lived a life filled with love and creativity.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Roger Harrison Payne; five children, Victoria, Jennifer (Todd), Melinda (Greg), Melissa (Peter), and Benjamin; a brother, Stephen Wray; and a cherished group of ten grandchildren: Jourdan (Savannah), Owen (Julia), James (Katherine), Hannah (Adam), Shelby, Tyler (Margaret), Patrick (Morgan), Haley (Charles), Jackson, and Peter (Emma). Additionally, she welcomed five great-grandchildren into the world: Avery, Olivia, Patrick, Thomas, and Harrison, whom she adored.

Donna grew up in the northeast and met Roger while he was attending Clarkson University. Together, they raised their family in Rochester, NY, and East Aurora, NY, before relocating to North Carolina in 1996. Throughout her life, Donna found joy in many aspects, including being a loving wife, a devoted “wonder years mom,” an adoring grandmother, and a talented homemaker. She had a passion for gardening, was a world-class cook, and an accomplished seamstress. Her innate gift for decorating was evident, as she could transform a room in the blink of an eye. Donna shared her creativity during the 70s and 80s through her recipe and advice column, Home Spun, for the East Aurora Advertiser, as well as by providing beautiful floral arrangements for the local Episcopal church in Kernersville. An exceptional hostess, she brought joy and deliciousness to countless gatherings with friends and family.

A memorial service will be held at St Clement's Episcopal Church in Clemmons N.C. on January 25, 2025, at 1pm to celebrate her life and the profound impact she had on her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in honor of Donna.

Friends and family may offer online condolences at www.piercejeffersonfh.com