Peggy Gill

Payne

A Life of Faith, Family, Love, and Service

Peggy Payne, 81, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Born on October 26, 1945, in Newport News, Virginia, Peggy was the daughter of the late Lawrence W. Gill and Mildred Pauline Gill. She made Colonial Heights her home in 1965, where she built a beautiful life filled with family, friendships, faith, and service to others.

Peggy was a remarkable woman who lived her life with strength, determination, and a heart for helping others. She enjoyed a distinguished career in federal service at Fort Lee, beginning in 1971 and rising through the ranks to become the Director of Administration and Services/Registrar at the U.S. Army Logistics Management College. Throughout her career, she earned numerous honors and the respect of those who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Her passion for serving others extended beyond her professional career. From 1993 to 1996, Peggy proudly served on the Colonial Heights City Council, demonstrating her love for the community she called home for more than 60 years.

Peggy’s faith was an important part of her life. As a devoted member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, she served in many capacities over the years, including teaching Sunday School, singing in the church choir, volunteering in the church office, and participating in mission trips to Colombia and Costa Rica. She believed in sharing God’s love through kindness, compassion, and service to others.

Outside of her career and church, Peggy enjoyed photography, genealogy, dog shows, and spending time with friends. She was a member of the Red Hat Luverlies Club, where she enjoyed the fellowship and friendships of other women. She had a love for preserving family memories and celebrating the people and moments that made life special.

Above all, Peggy loved her family. She shared more than 32 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Captain Benton Payne, who served the Colonial Heights Police Department for 28 years. Together, they raised their two children and built a lifetime of memories rooted in love and family.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Captain Benton Payne; her parents, Lawrence W. Gill and Mildred Pauline Gill; her brothers, Larry Gill and John Gill; and her son-in-law, Greg Connelly.

She is survived by her loving children, Stephanie Payne Connelly and Benton “Wade” Payne, Jr.; her sister, Linda Johnson (Aubrey); her sister-in-law, Kathy Gill; and her nieces and nephews, Jim Johnson (Paige), Kevin Johnson (Sherry), Jennifer Mclaughlin (Ryan), Brittney Henning (Mike), and Rence Gill (Julia). She also leaves behind extended family members, dear friends, and many others whose lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.

Peggy will be remembered for her strength, her faith, her dedication to others, and the love she shared with those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of service, cherished memories, and a family who will forever carry her love in their hearts.

Though she will be deeply missed, there is comfort in knowing she is now resting in the loving arms of her Savior and reunited with those who went before her.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2026, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 with the Reverend Wint Fox officiating. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park S. Prince George, Virginia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Friday. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will remain in our hearts forever.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21