Sharon Diane Croft Payne

Sharon Diane (Croft) Payne passed away December 9, 2024, at home. She was 72 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Sue Croft; sisters Susan Garner and Jackie Croft; biological mother Marjorie Sharp; biological father Sam Keeble; and her husband of 48 years, Richard Payne. Sharon leaves behind her children Gary Payne and girlfriend Melissa Bennett, Richelle and Scott Gregory, and Melisa Thacker; grandchildren Alex (Savanna) Gregory, Shelby Gregory, Noel Rossbach, Emmett Thacker, Tristan Thacker, Jole (Kacy Beth) Payne, Noah Payne, Taylor Payne, Wyatt Payne, and Jocelyn Payne; and great-grandson Oliver Gregory. She also leaves behind her biological siblings Darcee (Mike) Moreno, Denise Wheeler, and Dan Hance, as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones. 

Sharon was adopted at birth by Jack and Mary Sue Croft. In her formative years, she grew up on a dairy farm with her parents and sisters, Susan (Croft) Garner and Jackie Croft. This is where she learned to love cooking and baking. In her free time, Sharon played basketball on her high school team at Everett High School and was also the homecoming court queen. She would later meet her biological mother, Marjorie Sharp, and learn of the passing of her biological father, Sam Keeble. 

Among Sharon's most significant accomplishments were raising her three children and helping with her 11 grandchildren, whom she held as her pride and joy. She served as a hair stylist for a considerable part of her life before disability. Yet, even amidst the challenges life brought her way, Sharon never wavered in her compassion for others. She continued to support her family and extend a helping hand to anyone in need. Nothing brought Sharon more joy than knowing her children were happy and safe. She was very grateful to know that she had raised three strong and independent children who had all built successful lives for themselves and her grandchildren. 

A Celebration of Life for Sharon will take place on December 16, 2024, at 3:00PM at Sevier Heights Church Choir Room, Associate Pastor Charlie McNutt officiating (charlie.mcnutt@sevierheights.org; Phone: (865) 577-4222).

Those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate her life are welcome.

Flowers can be sent to Sevier Heights Church or donations can also be made to Haven House via the following link: Donate - Haven House or by mail to: Haven House, P.O. Box 134, Alcoa, TN  37701.