Betty Payne Gage, 1920 – 2020

Betty Payne Gage died Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, in Port Gibson, Mississippi at the age of 99.

She was born in Forrest City, Ark., on May 31, 1920, to Dick and Winnie Payne.

Her friends and family often said, “Betty Gage is amazing, she can do anything.” She was an accomplished musician who shared her talent with the congregations of First Presbyterian Church and St. James Episcopal Church every Sunday for over 60 years; an avid bridge player; a seamstress, knitter and crocheter; a talented cook who kept her children and grandchildren supplied with wild plum jelly and homemade bread; a vivid storyteller; and overall, a kind, generous and optimistic spirit who enjoyed a full and happy life.

She was preceded in death by her husband Nick Gage, a son Dick Gage, a daughter Libba Hynum Torrey and a brother Albert Payne.

Survivors include her son and his wife, Hal and Betsy Gage; a son-in-law, John L. Torrey; a sister, Sue Garland; grandchildren Nick Gage (Molly), Maury Wahtera (Kirk), Rosanna Kays (Steve), Lee Hynum (Cindy), Nick Hynum (Nikki) and Payne Cobb (Chad); and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Port Gibson at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. Interment will follow at Wintergreen Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 517, Port Gibson, MS 39150; St. James Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 494, Port Gibson, MS 39150; or your charity of choice.

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