Obituary for Janelle Barlow Payne

MRS. SALLY JANELLE BARLOW PAYNE, age 88, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Dodge County Hospital.

 Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, September 23, at Cottondale Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Eddie Barlow officiating.

 Janelle was born in Eastman, GA, on January 6, 1938, to the late Evelyn Westbrook Barlow and J.T. Barlow, Sr. She was a lifelong resident of Dodge County, earned her certificate in Interior Design, and worked as a seamstress for many years for Dowling Textiles. She also did upholstery for many years as well as helping others with seamstry work. In her latter years, she enjoyed making quilts for everyone she knew. Janelle was fiercely protective of her family. She loved each and every one of them dearly and she enjoyed all the time she was able to spend with them, especially her grandchildren and dogs, and calling her family each and every night. Janelle was honest to a fault. She was never afraid to say what was on her mind. She loved taking care of and providing for her family, cooking, and attending the Barlow family reunions. Janelle was a God-fearing woman who loved her Lord and Savior. She was a member of Cottondale Baptist Church and attended Greenlawn Baptist Church for many years. She made it a point to take her grandchildren to church with her so they could learn about the love that Jesus has for them.

 In addition to her parents, Janelle was preceded in death by her daughter, Jackie Payne Plaza, son, Johnny Payne, great-grandson, Seth Payne, and siblings, Alton Barlow, J.T. Barlow, Jr., Sonnie Barlow, Gerald Barlow, Nancy Barlow Winans, June Barlow, and an infant sister, Sarah Linda Barlow.

 She is survived by her Son – Joey Payne (Jody); Grandchildren – Amy (Stacey), Little Joey, Clint, Nikki (Ray), Michael (Angela), Kyle, Jesse, Ivy, and Ashlee; Great-Grandchildren – DeDe, Blythe, Riley, Kloe, Paisley, T.J., Kami, C.J., A.J., Ethan, Okela, Julie, Johnny, Zoey, Emily, Paul, Alyrica, Madison, Brianna, Jayden, Mary Elizabeth, and Cole; Great-Great-Grandchildren – Mason, Ace, Lester, Maverick, Kloe, and Ellie; Sisters – Mae Barlow Browning (Sandy), Gail Barlow Tomlinson (Steve), and Joyce Barlow Griffin; Brothers – Felton Barlow (Susie) and Zelton Barlow (Ann); Sisters-in-law – Sharon Underwood Barlow, Jimmie Ford Barlow, and Joanne Barlow; Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.