Rita Jo Payne

Rita Jo Payne, a beloved resident of Van Buren, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 17, 2025, in Grove, Oklahoma. Born on October 1, 1941, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late Joe and Nellie (Underwood) Wilkerson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her late husband Kenny Payne, her sister Effie Brown, and her brother Jerry Wilkerson.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Denny Hickey and husband David, Susan Kelley and husband Danny all of Van Buren, Arkansas. She also has a sister, Elaine Greenfield of Alma, Arkansas.

Rita is also the proud grandmother of Jesse Jaynes, April and her husband Aaron Martinez, Michael and wife Candace Hickey, Shawnda and her husband Chris Rasco, and Darin Mullens, Dakota Kelley. Additionally, she has six great-grandchildren whom she cherished deeply: Kyler, Mikey, Kobe, Lexi, Drake, and Julia. And if you know Rita, we can’t leave out all the grand-dogs she loved so dearly.

Your strength and love not only touched our lives but also those around you. The love of the Lord radiates through you, and it was a joy to witness it every day. We cherish the memories, laughter, and love you shared with us. The games we played and the arcades we conquered together will forever be etched in our hearts. Thank you for all the prayers you prayed over each of us and the support you gave.

We celebrate you dancing on those streets of gold, worshiping Christ our King. Fly high, sweet lady.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Fort Smith. Burial will follow at Sarah Grove Cemetery in Van Buren, under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home.

The family will be available for visits from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Ocker Funeral Home, located at 700 Jefferson Street.