Mrs. Peggy Joyce Carlton Payne, 89, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis surrounded by her family.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Saturday, September 26, 2026, at North Kannapolis Baptist Church. Dr. Tim Brown and Rev. Leon Hawks will officiate. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 1:45 pm Saturday at North Kannapolis Baptist Church.

Peggy was born November 19, 1936 in Concord. She was a daughter of the late Blume Lawson Carlton and Minnie Pauline Goble Carlton. She retired from the Weave Room of Cannon Mills where she worked as a material handler. Peggy was a godly mother and a devoted servant of the Lord whose life was marked by selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering love for her Savior. She consistently put the needs and feelings of others before her own, never seeking recognition for the many ways she served those around her. For more than 30 years, she lovingly served in the church nursery, where her gentle spirit and genuine love for children touched the lives of countless families. She tirelessly served her church, giving freely of her time, energy, and heart because serving others was simply who she was.

Those who knew Peggy often spoke of what a good friend she was-someone who could be counted on, someone who genuinely cared, and someone who made a difference in the lives of others. Yet, for some, her influence went far beyond friendship. People often express it best: “She was a good friend, but she changed my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for her.” Peggy's faith was not simply something she professed; it was something she lived each day through her kindness, sacrifice, service, and love for the Lord. Her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched, the children she lovingly cared for, the church she faithfully served, and all those who were drawn closer to God because of her life. She was a longest living member of North Kannapolis Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Joe Payne; sister, JoAnn Triplett; and two brothers, Kenneth Wyatt Carlton and Eldon Carlton.

Peggy is survived by two daughters, Vicky P. Morris (Wayne) and Susan P. Canup (Jeff) both of Kannapolis; four sons, Ricky Payne (Marilyn) of Concord, Tim Payne (Aida), Danny Payne (Dawn) and Mickey Payne (Vicky) all of Kannapolis; nine grandchildren, Chris Morris, Daniel Morris (Sara), Andrew Pennington (Jourdan), Stephen Pennington, David Pennington, Nathan Payne, Jessica Blackwelder, Jamie Johnson (Chris) and Peggy Nellie Payne; and 10 great-grandchildren, Justin Morris, Greyson Pennington, Addison Morris, Brooklyn Morris, Shiloh Pennington, Ronin Pennington, Lucas Pennington, Olivia Pennington, Henry Johnson and Myles Johnson.

Memorials may be sent to North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081.