Our cherished Georgiana Sanders Payne, 92, of Pensacola, FL, loving wife and mom, died early Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Georgia A. Sanders, as she was known, was born on May 29, 1930, in Denver, CO. The oldest child of Pauline Josephine Peters and George T. Sanders, Georgia was a loving daughter and caretaker to her younger siblings, Sonny, Gary and Muz, all who preceded her in death.

At an early age, Georgia was deeply impacted by her paternal grandmother, Mary Ida Peters, who influenced her abiding Catholic faith. By age of 15, Georgia solely initiated her Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RICA) at the Basilica in Denver and entered the Catholic church; a pivotal event that would influence the remainder of her life.

Georgia received her B.S. in Nursing from Loretto Heights College in 1952. She loved the nuns of Loretto and time she shared with them. Eager to establish her career, Georgia, left Denver for Oakland, CA. Always the adventurer, she made the 1,200-plus mile journey by convertible car, which she had purchased with a friend. Once there, she worked as a nurse for Oakland General Hospital for the next several years.

With travel on her mind, Georgia ventured to Pensacola, FL for a friend's wedding. A chance meeting on Pensacola Beach led her to her husband and co-conspirator for life, Philip A. Payne, at the time studying for his Florida Dentistry exams while moonlighting as a lifeguard At the sight of Georgia, her sister, Muz, and friend, Joan barely staying afloat in the Gulf, Phil (Hally) took charge sharing his "secret sauce" for body surfing at its best.

Georgia and Hally were married on June 25, 1955 and were happily married for over 50 years. They spent the first few months of their marriage living in Japan before returning to Pensacola in 1957. Georgia worked as an RN at the old Sacred Heart Hospital on 12th Avenue. Georgia took pride in her work and was committed to helping those less fortunate. She especially enjoyed her time, support and administration at St. Joseph's Medica Clinic, offering free public healthcare to underserved, marginalized communities.

Georgia and Hally were blessed with seven children. A loving wife and mother, Georgia was a true partner to Hally, sharing a mutual love for each other and their children; lovingly preparing over 25,000 dinners shared with family. She is survived by all seven "meddling" kids including Philip Payne Jr. (Blaine), Christopher Payne (Linda), Leslie Scott (Greg Scott), Carol Myers (Ben), Paul Payne (Kip), Lynda Payne (TBD), all of Pensacola, FL, and Kathleen Payne (Rancher) of nomadic life, along with nine grandchildren and nine great-children. She is preceded in death by "her Hally" in 2005. The Bayou Texar Bridge is named in his honor. With great appreciation we thank Dr. William (Bill) Spain for spearheading this designation. The Dr. Philip A. Payne Bridge is a monument to an ongoing effort to restore the bayou and bring back marine and wildlife which is now visible today. Georgia was the backbone enabling Hally to fulfill this worthy cause.

Georgia was staunchly committed to her husband, children, and Catholic faith. A founding member of St. Paul Catholic Church, she gave her time, talent and treasure to Catholic charities including many fundraising events for Catholic High School and St. Paul. She was deeply spiritual and always relied on her faith, often attending prayer groups, administering to those less fortunate and participating in Marriage Encounter.

She led by example. She firmly supported Hally in his many causes often leading through encouragement, dedication and strong responsibility to serve. In turn, she was his pride and joy.

Georgia also enjoyed a good book. A prolific reader, she passed her love of books to her children and grandchildren. She loved art, card club and picnic group gatherings among special and varied friends. Throughout her life, she continued to share her deep connection to Colorado including her beloved mountains and vivid blue sky. While she missed her early days of time spent fishing and picnicking in the Colorado mountains, Pensacola was home. No doubt, she quickly earned her "Southern" credentials – often enjoying traditional local favorite, Gaspachee salad, along with boiled shrimp and crusty French bread.

Georgia was determined, strong and loyal to her husband, family and friends. She was always game for a road trip, a new adventure and a good book. She enjoyed Alabama football (RTR), afternoon tea with her daughters, visits with her sons, Elvis' How Great Thou Art , Bayou Texar sunsets and lest we forget, Jeopardy!

Her often humorous momisms, love of nature and all things God left an indelible, lasting mark. She passed her appreciation of these things to her children and for that they are forever grateful. When her health declined, her well-fortified spirit did not. She fought valiantly to live as she lived – with love, joy, and gratitude.

At this time, the family would like to especially thank Georgia's dear friend, Jane Farrugia, who together shared a lifetime of toasts, laughter and lagniappes. We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to her constant companions, Georgia's caregivers, who brought many more years of laughter and love. Lynda Payne, who nurtured and loved our mom in so many ways. They enjoy a special bond that will endure. Dr. Debra Viglione, her functional medicine healer. Kathy Johnson, our sister-in-love, Josh Ray, Sherrell Boykins, Jestina Nared and Senita Nared who offered loving care, grace and compassion – thank you. And thank you to all the CNAs who provided support these last few years. We appreciate the healers that you are. Our mom would have done the same and for that we are eternally grateful to you.

Visitation and Rosary will begin at 12:00pm until a Funeral Mass to begin at 1:00pm Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church, with Fr. Eugene Pathe celebrant. Private family committal will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request charitable a contribution to any one of Georgia's cherished causes including St. Paul Catholic Church, Catholic High School, St. Vincent DePaul or other charities that administer to the poor.

We are heartbroken and we will miss you always, but we are thankful that God blessed us with many overtime victories. And we rejoice knowing that you are once again reunited in Heaven with the love of your life, Hally, and so many of your family and friends.

Lastly, we want to thank our mom for 92 years and more of love and service.