The Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge announces the death of Mrs. Kathy Payne, age 51, of McCaysville, GA who passed away Monday, August 22, 2011 in the North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, GA. Mrs. Payne was born in Fannin County, GA on July 14, 1960 to the late Everette Tankersley and Bessie O'Neal Tankersley. She worked for Mercier's Orchards as an apple grader and was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, James Payne of McCaysville, GA; son and daughter-in-law, James Aaron Payne and Kimberly Payne of McCaysville, GA; daughter, Andrea Payne of McCaysville, GA; brother, J.M. Tankersley of; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Steve Seabolt of McCaysville, GA; and three grandchildren, Alexis Payne, Gavin Payne, and Sierra Payne. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. from the Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Ed O'Neal and Rev. Mike Collis officiating. Music will be by The O'Neals. Pallbearers will be J.R. Ensley, Shawn Seabolt, Wade Payne, Steve Seabolt, Tommy Ware, and Randy Ware. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Ensley, Hoyt Payne, Charles Johnson, and Ray Payne. Interment will follow in Mt. View Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of arrangements. .