Sherma Payne

Sherma Bee White Payne, a cherished wife, mother, nana, sister, leader, and friend, passed away due to dementia on November 28, 2024. Born on January 31, 1936, in Highland, Utah, Sherma's life was a tapestry of adventure and beauty, woven with love and dedication.

Growing up on a farm, Sherma learned the value of hard work early in life. Her experiences herding cows, plucking chickens, and harvesting produce instilled in her a strong work ethic that she carried throughout her industrious and well-lived life. From her parents, she inherited a love for gardening and creating beautiful landscapes. Sherma was renowned for her enchanting flower gardens, where delightful surprises awaited behind peonies, snapdragons, and roses. This passion for gardening was a legacy she lovingly passed on to her children, who remain grateful for the lessons she imparted.

Despite her rural upbringing, Sherma always felt a pull towards city life and yearned for adventure and world travel. She yearned for her “Knight in Shining Armor” to come along and rescue her. But she was not content to sit back and wait for him. Her determination and vibrant spirit led her to pursue life with vigor and vitality. She excelled in sewing and spelling contests, became a hand model, and even earned the title of beauty queen. With a cosmetology degree, she helped countless individuals in their quest for beauty. Her lively dating life took a turn when she met the dashing Gary Barton Payne. After a brief courtship, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. Nearly 68 years later, her beloved KISA ("Knight in Shining Armor") lay by her side as she passed beyond the veil.

Together, Sherma and Gary led a life filled with adventure and travel, moving from Los Angeles to Connecticut, then to Dallas, and back to Los Angeles. They raised their five children—Bart, Dawney, Julie, Tatia, and Candice—with faith, love, joy, and the occasional frustration that all parents experience. Sherma's family was her greatest joy. She taught her children and grandchildren the importance of balancing beauty and work. Her hands were always manicured, yet she was never afraid to get them dirty in the garden. She instilled in them the joy of lipstick and hair color, while also teaching them to embrace their natural beauty with confidence, teaching them to pretend to be the "Queen of England" if they needed to leave the house without being gussied up.

Sherma's motto was "classy and sassy," and she could command a room with her spunky personality despite her quiet voice. Her nickname was “Sunshine” and it was well deserved. People would light up when they saw her. They knew Sherma would both amuse and entertain! During her final months, she would visit the Memory Care Center of Crescent Senior Living and energize and delight both residents and caretakers with her sincere love for others, enthusiasm for life, and sense of humor. She was never afraid to say what she thought, famously describing life after 60 years of marriage as "Hell on wheels!" She was an absolute favorite at Crescent and will be deeply missed there.

Her story would be incomplete without mentioning her beloved grandchildren. Sherma adored each of her 27 grandchildren, cherishing moments spent laughing, talking, crying, consoling, teaching, and exhorting them. As a great-grandmother, she delighted in getting down on her knees, playing with the little ones, using funny voices, beanie babies, reading books and sharing secret treasures hidden in precious Limoges boxes.

Sherma's vibrant personality was matched by her deep love for her Savior and her personal relationship with Heavenly Father. Her faith was the innate and natural core of her being, guiding her through life's messy moments and challenges and instilling in her a peace and joy that she shared with all who knew her. She dedicated much of her time to serving others, striving to love and serve as her Savior did.

Sherma Bee White Payne will be remembered for her graciousness, sense of humor, genuineness and faith. She leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire those she leaves behind, a testament to a life lived with passion, grace, and an unwavering commitment to her values. Her memory will forever be a source of joy and inspiration, reminding us all of the beauty and love she brought into the world.

A visitation will be held at the Cottonwood 5th Ward, 5913 S. Highland Drive, Holladay, UT 84121 on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 9:00 - 10:30 am. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 am. Sherma will be interred at Highland City Cemetery.