Mary Lee Payne, 83, of Nederland, died Friday, January 10, 2014, at Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur.  She was born on July 28, 1930, in Durant, Oklahoma, to Sallie Woolsey Schmidt and Walter Surn Schmidt.  Ms. Payne enjoyed gardening and spending time at the beach.  She also loved bird watching and being around people.

Ms. Payne is survived by her son, John Surn Payne and his wife, Joyce, of Greenville, South Carolina; daughter, Sarah Seymore English and her husband, David, of Groves; grandchildren, Benjamin Payne; Aharon Payne; Tyler Seymore; Kayleigh Seymore VanSchoubroek and her husband, Aaron; great-grandchildren, Titus Payne; Kayden Seymore; Kamryn Seymore; and Summer VanSchoubroek; and three sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to Houston Audubon Sanctuaries by visiting www.houstonaudubon.org.

A private committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, 5150 Stivers Drive, Beaumont.