Gladys Jacqueline Payne Harper Jones

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gladys Jacqueline Payne Harper Jones, affectionately known as “Jackie” to her friends and as “Sweetmama” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She went home to be with the Lord on January 8, 2026, at the age of 92.

Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Friday, January 16, 2026 at Memory Hill cemetery with  Luke Walker officiating.

Born on January 29, 1933, Jackie lived a life guided by her strong Christian faith and love for Jesus. As a member of Hiland Park Baptist Church, her faith was evident in how she lived her life. A somewhat playful spirit, Jackie loved to write silly poems with her grandchildren and tell jokes to make those around her smile. She exuded joy and patience, treating everyone in her life with loving kindness. She found comfort in the Lord and reflected His love in her care for her family, her neighbors, and all of God’s creation.

Jackie was an incredibly talented seamstress who once owned a fabric store while living in Lake Placid, Florida. She lovingly crafted beautiful clothing for her family and even handmade dresses for her grandchildren’s dolls, creating keepsakes that will be treasured for generations. With great patience and a genuine love for children, she taught her children and grandchildren how to sew, passing down not only her skills but also her time, care, and attention.

For 18 years, Jackie was the welcoming receptionist for Dr. Bill Shriner’s dental office in Lake Placid, where her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on countless patients. Over time, she also built a treasured friendship with Dr. Shriner and his wife, Joyce.

Jackie was a good friend and had a special bond with nature and animals. She loved line dancing, fishing, raising goats, and had a remarkable way of calling wild turtles to her backyard to feed them. She faithfully fed the birds and spent countless peaceful hours on her back porch watching them, finding joy and serenity in the beauty of God’s creation.

She will be remembered for her gift of recounting the stories of her life, gentle spirit, her patient and nurturing heart, her unwavering faith, and the warmth she brought into every interaction. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack G. and Gladys Atkins Payne; step mother, Jane Warren Payne; sisters, Rochelle Payne Miller, Marianne Payne; and grandson, Charles S. Rhinehart. She is survived by her sister, Jenine “Sidney” Payne; three daughters: Deborah Maxwell, Barbara Aldea (Steve), and Donna Woodis (Bill); four grandchildren: Shea McTrusty (Chesley), Luke Walker (Ashley), Iris Koehnemann (Matt), and Dr. Bailee Hardgrove (Dr. Daniel Hardgrove); and thirteen great grandchildren

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