Barbara Payne

Barbara Ann Payne, nee Bequeret, 89, of Alton, IL, born Saturday, July 25, 1936, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at her residence in Alton, IL.

Barbara packaged premiums for Mami. She was a member of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis. She was in the United States Marine Corp.

She was preceded in death by her wife, Carolyn Frances Armes; parents, Preston R. and Virginia H., nee Anderson, Bequeret; sister, Beverly Rehberger; granddaughter, Amber DeGonia; and great-grandson, Jacob Esparza.

Surviving are her daughter, Donna L. (Jack) Smith of Alton, IL; Donna's children, Christie Cable (Aaron Ozee), Jack Cable-Smith, Matthew Smith (Stevi Zucha); Donna's grandchildren, Alexis Cable, Dylan Cable, Jordan Thebeau, Jaden Thebeau, Mackenzy Jackson, Donna's great-grandchildren, Aubrey Smith, Piper Smith, Everly Smith, Milana Cable, Carolina Jaber, and Haniya Amra; daughter, Tammy E. Penn of Caseyville, IL; Tammy's children, Stacy (JR) Sitton, Joseph Sitton, Barbara Grice; Tammy's grandchildren, Bella Sitton, DJ. Bell, Allysa Wilkes, Becca Still, Kirstyn Miranda, Maya Miranda, Alex Miranda, Holly Grice, and Tyler Grice; Tammy's great-grandchildren, McKinley Wilkes, Malikeys Fain, Aria Fields, Wolfgang Fields; nieces and nephews, Rebecca Witt, Herbert Garris, Kathleen (Richard) Morales, and great nieces and nephews.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.

Services: Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Lauren Bennett officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Obit Provided By:
Kurrus Funeral Home