Ms. Carrie Vivian King Payne, was born in Hopewell Community in Crockett, Texas. Losing her mother before the age of 3, she accepted Christ and was raised by Iona and Thomas Johnson. Her aunt and uncle. She was raised in Am swell Community and attended school in the Mount Olly School House.

After graduating from the Crockett Colored High School in Crockett, Texas, she attended Mary Allen College and Prairie View A & M College.

Ms. King Payne earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Home Economics from Texas College in Tyler, Texas.

She married Professor Lamar Payne, and with this union they produced Lamar Charles Payne, Jr., John Earl Payne, and Edward L. Payne. Her husband and first son passed at a young age. As a result, she had to raise her last two sons by herself in Athens, Texas.

Ms. King Payne worked with young children all her career in Anderson County, Crockett, Texas, Athens, TX. and Houston, TX.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her son Edward L. Payne, of Houston, TX., and a host of  nieces, and nephews.

Ms. Carrie King Payne was a very humble and caring person.