Martha Anne Ferguson Payne

The world lost a beautiful soul when Martha Anne Ferguson Payne passed away on August 26, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Martha was born in Mobile, Alabama, on December 11, 1942, and was 83 when she died. Martha enjoyed good health her whole life, but her mind, body and spirit were ready to move on, and she passed away peacefully in her sleep at home. Martha had lost her husband of 56 years, Otis Edd Payne, just two years prior. Martha is survived by their three children and five grandchildren: Kevin, his children Shelby and Mattie; Brian, his wife Lee Ann and their sons Braeden and Aaron; and Allison and her son Theodore. Martha and Otis were devoted spouses and parents, and raised their children with solid family values, support for education, a thirst for adventure, and unconditional love. Martha is also survived by her younger sister Mary Kay Friedenstein and her family. Martha grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, and studied to be a teacher at Southeastern Louisiana University. She met Otis through church, they were married in 1968, and they began their lives together in Seattle, Washington, where Martha worked as a teacher and they raised their young children. The family relocated to South Bend, Indiana, where Martha worked as a child abuse educator and an advocate for abused women. In later years, Martha and Otis split their time between their beloved Pacific Northwest and Texas, where they could be close to family. Everywhere she lived, Martha was an active member of the Methodist and First Christian churches, serving as a Sunday School teacher and an elder, singing in the choir, playing handbells, managing church property, supporting refugee families, and countless unsung volunteer jobs with love and devotion. Martha and Otis traveled the world together for nearly 60 years; they both loved to cook and entertain; and they tended vegetable gardens and planted flowers and trees everywhere they lived. They were a joy and a blessing to their families and friends and all who knew them. Martha has now joined Otis for the next phase of their journey. Martha will be missed but celebrated here on Earth. Please join us to share our love for Martha in the Chapel at Holly Hall Retirement Community, 2000 Holly Hall Street, Houston, Texas, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local hospice organization or to Holly Hall (www.hollyhall.org). Expressions of remembrance and condolences are welcome and may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

Martha Anne Ferguson Payne

December 11, 1942 - August 26, 2026