Ann Christensen

Ann Frances Christensen was born March 3, 1940 in Orlando, Florida to Edwin P. and Bama N. Christensen and passed away in her home Wednesday, September 21.  Ann graduated from Delaney Elementary, Cherokee Junior High and Boone High School.  She attended Appalachian State Teacher's College in Boone North Carolina where she met and later married Charles Odell Payne .  Ann is survived by their three children, Charles Timothy Payne and his wife, Linda; Jill Payne Johnson and her husband, Tyler; and Erik Edwin Payne and his wife, Celeste; grandchildren Riley Payne, Alexa and Marissa Lantz, Justin Payne and great grandchild Zephyrn Payne. Ann is also survived by her sisters Jill Halliday (husband Harry) and Betty Contella (husband Rusty) and brother, Edwin Peter Christensen and many nieces and nephews. One of Ann's fondest childhood memories was of her Girl Scout Troup led by Mrs. Tichenor and their adventurous field trips. Ann developed life-long friendships with some of the members of the Troup. They later formed "The Who Cares Club " and enjoyed many outings together. Ann taught pre-school classes at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and sang in their choir for years.  Ann worked for the family business, Mid-Florida Supply as Lighting Showroom Director for thirty years.  After retirement, Ann continued to show her creative talents by working as a florist at several shops during holiday seasons. Ann had a real love and flair for creating a  home and yard worthy of a cover story in Better Homes and Gardens. For the last number of years, Ann helped to create many infant and children's quilts that were donated to local hospitals. Ann maintained strong friendships throughout her life and had a powerful relationship with Jesus Christ and was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Orlando.