Jean B. Payne, 86, of Philo, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at Heartland Healthcare Center, Champaign. Mrs. Payne was born Jan. 26, 1922, at Milwaukee, the daughter of Ernest MacMillan and Ida Leona (Kirby) Byrd. She married James R. Payne Jr. on July 31, 1948. He died July 17, 2008. Survivors include her four children and their families: James and Mare Payne of Urbana; Nancy Payne of Champaign; Thomas and Christine Payne of Philo; and Sally and Michael Hummel of Knoxville, Tenn.; three grandchildren: Allison Payne, Cameron Payne and Lindsay Hummel; sister-in-law Betty Janiak of Temecula, Calif.; two nephews and one niece. She was preceded in death by two sisters and a son-in-law. Mrs. Payne graduated from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, in 1945 and received her master's at the University of Illinois. She was a teacher in Unit 7 Schools for more than 20 years. Prior to her teaching career, she worked at the U. of I. She was a member of the Countryside United Methodist Church, AARP, Illinois Retired Teachers Association and was an active supporter of the Champaign County Humane Society. She enjoyed calligraphy, gardening, birdwatching, and loved animals, especially her dog Barney. Her remains were cremated. There will be no memorial service. Arrangements are being handled by Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. Memorials may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society, 1911 E. Main St., Urbana, 61802.