Hazel Pauline Wise Payne Age – 97. Passed away June 28, 2026 – NHC Cool Springs. Preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Caldwell Payne; parents, Milton Willis and Alta Raye Garrison Wise. Survived by son, Robert (Julie) Payne; grandchildren, Britain, Linden, and Robert Kline Payne Jr; sisters-in-law, Rogerlene Hill and Joyce Wise.
Hazel was born in Watertown, Tennessee and was a graduate of Central High School in Nashville. Upon graduation she became a secretary with Life and Casualty Insurance Company in downtown Nashville. It was there that she met the love of her life and husband, Vernon Payne. They married in 1955 and enjoyed 66 wonderful years together before Vernon died in 2021.
In 1964, Hazel and Vernon celebrated the birth of their only child, Rob. Hazel devoted her life to being the most loving and caring mother, whether it was volunteering as a chaperone for school field trips, preparing food for classroom parties or being the ‘chauffeur’ to Rob’s friends.
Hazel decided in the early 1970s to return to the workforce and was the Department Secretary for Vanderbilt University Drama & Speech Department. Hazel enjoyed interacting with the faculty and especially the students during the 25 plus years she was there. Previous students and faculty members would stay in touch with her even after retirement.
In 1998, Hazel’s first grandchild, Britain, was born. She did not hesitate in retiring from Vanderbilt in order to take on her favorite role – Grandmother. Hazel enjoyed more than anything caring for her first granddaughter, and eventually her second granddaughter, Linden, and grandson, Kline. Hazel was selfless in the care of her grandchildren, just as she was with the rest of her family.
In 2021 Vernon passed away. Hazel maintained an independent life until a few years ago and moved to live with Rob and Julie. We have treasured having her with us. So many good memories. We will miss your watching ‘Bold and Beautiful’ everyday, secretly trying to feed table food to our dog Charley, doing laps in the house with your walker…and you just being who you were.
You will be missed. Your family loves you!
Visitation will be on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM and Monday, July 6, 2026, from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM. Funeral services will immediately follow, conducted by Rev. J. Tommy Jobe. Visitation and Service will be at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery following the Service.
Active Pallbearers: Robert Payne, Britain Payne, Linden Payne, Kline Payne, Tim Brunet, Greg Horn, Chris Moynihan, and David Wise.
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Woodbine Funeral Home – Hickory Chapel.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
