Obituary

Carol Anne “Perk” (Perkins) Payne, 90, of Marmet, WV, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, just days shy of her 91st birthday. Born in Lynn, MA, on August 14, 1934, to Williams J. Perkins and Ruth C. Wells, Perk’s life was as full and colorful as the accents she carried with her, blending the charm of her Massachusetts roots with the warmth of West Virginia.

Perk’s life journey was one of adventure, love, and a bit of mischief. She met her beloved husband, Bill Payne, in the United States Air Force while Bill was stationed in Massachusetts. The culture shock of moving to West Virginia in 1954 didn’t last long, as she adapted to small-town life with a grace and spirit that would define her for years to come. More than half her life was spent in the hills of West Virginia, and though her accent was a fascinating mix of Northern and Southern influences, her heart remained in Boston.

Preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and her son, James “Jim” Payne, Perk is survived by her son, Joseph “Joe” Payne of Marietta, OH; daughter Ruth (Wayne) Meadows of Marmet, WV; and daughter Mary (Dan) Moore of Bossier City, LA. Perk also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Erica Talley, Christina McKinney, Derek Payne, and Jamie Payne, as well as great-grandchildren Blake & Adelyn Talley and Brenten & Zoey McKinney.

Perk was a traveler at heart, always seeking new horizons and embracing different cultures. She had the privilege of traveling the world, with one of her favorite destinations being China. She also visited her daughter, Mary, during her time stationed in Germany and Portugal, and spent memorable moments with a group of close travel friends in Ireland and Scotland. The stories from these trips were legendary, and she never tired of sharing them.

Known for her love of a late-night adventure, Perk could often be found at the local dog track, either trying her luck at the nickel machines or enjoying a spirited round of dominoes with her best friends, sipping coffee into the wee hours.

Before there was the familiar 10 p.m. “get-home” TV announcement, Perk was known for her signature “get-home whistle,” a sound that echoed through the neighborhood, signaling it was time for the kids to head home.

For the past three years, Perk was pampered like royalty, living with her daughter Ruth and son-in-law Wayne, where her room became a palace when her spirits were high, and the “dungeon” when she wasn’t quite getting her way. Wayne’s morning ritual of serving her breakfast and coffee became a treasured routine, and those who were lucky enough to witness it will always remember it with fondness.

Perk, ever the stubborn and independent spirit, lived her final years on her own terms. In true Perk fashion, she went out with a bang—leaving us all too soon but with memories that will last a lifetime. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of adventure, strength, and unforgettable personality will live on.

A heartfelt thank you to Wynter (Fontalbert) Winnell and Kaitlyn Atkinson, whose occasional weekend care and companionship for Perk over the past few years gave Ruth and Wayne the gift of rest and renewal. Their kindness and love for her meant more than words can express.

At Perk’s request, no service will be held. A private family gathering will be planned in Green Bank, WV, for both Perk and Bill.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hubbard House in Charleston, WV.

Condolences may be sent to Perk’s family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.