Helen L. Payne

The beloved Helen L. Payne passed away in The Willows at Bellevue on November 8, 2024, at the age of 102.  She had resided there for the past 4 years and was very much loved by the staff and residents. 

Helen was born August 26, 1922, in Webster Springs, West Virginia and was the last living child of Orlando and Cora Payne, having been pre-deceased by her parents, 3 sisters and 5 brothers.

After graduation from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1951, Helen and her fellow classmate, Patricia Pickens, came north looking for teaching positions.  Hired by Monroeville Schools, she resided in Monroeville for most of her life.  They moved back to Buckhannon, WV for a few years to meet the needs of Miss Pickens who passed away in 2004.  Helen then returned to Monroeville where she lived until she moved to The Willows at Bellevue.

Her willingness to give her best was reflected in her professional life as a teacher at Monroeville High School where she began and ended her long teaching career.  Besides her regular teaching duties, she promoted camaraderie and joy among staff and students as she planned or sponsored spirit week, May Queen, Homecoming, Senior King/Queen, Girls Recreation Association, Teacher Pot-lucks, and numerous other school events.  At the end of her teaching career, she took on the role of Athletic Director for the Monroeville sports program.  She was in charge when the boys won the state championship in 1984, a real treat for her.  Capping off her accomplishments was her induction into the Monroeville High School Hall of Fame in 2012.

Helen lived her life with generosity and creativity.  She was a take charge personality who accepted the challenges of many fund-raising efforts as well as leadership positions in numerous organizations.  Huron County Retired Teachers, the Zeta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, the United Church of Christ in Monroeville were all recipients of her talents.  Meetings and programs were never dull when Helen held the gavel.

Her survivors include numerous nieces and nephews who, through the years, experienced her love of family.

Per her wishes, Helen was cremated. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00 am until the time of Helen’s service at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in the Pfeil Funeral Home, Monroeville Chapel, 109 Monroe Street, Monroeville. Good friend and former pastor Nancy Kahaian will officiate. The burial will take place immediately after in Riverside Cemetery, Monroeville.   

Memorials, if you wish, may be given to the Monroeville High School Girls Athletic Department.

Condolences may be shared at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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