Elizabeth Payne Word passed away on July 31, 2026. Funeral services were held on Sunday, August 2, 2026 from the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scottsboro.
Rev. Polly Robb officiated. Interment followed in the Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. Word is survived by her children, Don (Tranny) Word and Emily (Jack) Moody; grandchildren, Joseph (Kathleen) Haberstroh, Rice (Mary) Moody, Ben (Ciara) Word and Elizabeth (David) Shelton; great grandchildren, Ella Word, Emily Shelton, Lily Word, Evelyn Shelton and Margaret Moody.
Mrs. Word was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother, George H. Payne.
Elizabeth was active in her community.
She was instrumental in starting the Scottsboro Women’s League and Apple Annie Day.
She was on the Northeast Community College Foundation Board and the Jackson County Hospital Board.
She worked on the Christmas Charities program for years.
She was the first Brownie Scout in Jackson County and later a Girl Scout Troop leader.
Elizabeth was an avid traveler, loved playing bridge with friends, reading and crossword puzzles.
She was a faithful member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church all of her life.
She leaves behind a legacy rooted in her devotion to Christ, family and friends.
Elizabeth was born September 20, 1933 in Scottsboro to Emily Matthews Payne and James Robinson Payne.
Elizabeth finished high school at Gulf Park High School in Long Beach, MS. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 1955.
Elizabeth married Robert (Bob) D. Word, Jr, June 2, 1956. They were married 67 years until his death in 2023.
