Susan Henderson “Susie” Payne of Vicksburg died peacefully in the comfort of her home and with her family Thursday, May 20, 2010, after a long battle with breast cancer.

Susie was born May 27, 1953, in Dallas to Donald and Ruth Henderson where she lived for 22 years. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor of arts in art education in 1975. Susie married Barry Payne of Dallas on Dec. 27, 1975. They moved to upstate New York where they lived for four years in Syracuse and slightly more than a year in Williamsville, near Buffalo. The family has resided in Vicksburg since 1981.

Nurturing her two sons was her greatest joy. Susie was a dedicated volunteer at their schools, as well as in the community. She was a long-term hospice volunteer, in remembrance of her brother, Robert. A prominent and sustained feature of her life was her work as an artist and craftsperson. She taught art at Beechwood Elementary in Vicksburg from 2000-2009, a position she cherished and considered essential. Susie made and nourished close friendships with many people everywhere she lived and at all stages of her life. Her love of life and family, friends, colleagues and students and her compassion for all people was extraordinary. All who knew her can take comfort in knowing that she received love in abundance, reflecting the love she gave.

Susie is survived by her husband of 34 years, Barry, and sons, Scott of Washington, D.C., and Michael of Vicksburg. Additionally, she is survived by her father, Donald Henderson of Hughes Springs, Texas; her sisters, Carol Sinkule of Hughes Springs, Valerie Baker of Dallas and Anita Barham of Heath, Texas; her brothers, Donald Henderson of Sunnyvale, Texas, Patrick Henderson of Virginia Beach, Va., Michael Henderson of Longview, Texas, and Christopher Henderson of Dallas; and a half-sister, Rosemary L’Espirit of Thornton, Colo.

Susie was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Warren Henderson; and a brother, Robert Henderson.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hawkins United Methodist Church, 3736 Halls Ferry Road, conducted by the Rev. Jack Harris-Bonham of Hamilton, Mont. A casual reception with food and drink will be held from 12:30-4 p.m. Saturday at Bazsinsky House, 1022 Monroe St. Friends are welcome at either the memorial service or the reception, or both.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Patient’s Choice Hospice and Palliative Care of Vicksburg or UNICEF.