Emma Lucia Payne, 94, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025. She was born on September 18, 1930, in Saspamco, Texas, to Jesus and Margarita Hinojosa. Emma graduated from St. Mary’s High School in San Antonio and was an active member of the Amelia Social Club. As a young woman Emma shined in many beauty pageants and parades while also working as a secretary in San Antonio.

Emma married a handsome Airman First Class, Charles Payne, on April 16,1955. They moved to Houston, where she enjoyed being a homemaker and raised two daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine. Emma loved being involved in their many activities. She served as president of the Mother’s Club at St. Agnes Academy and enjoyed shopping, traveling, and her visits to see family in San Antonio. Emma always carried a strong work ethic. As the girls aged, she began working at the Warwick Hotel in Houston as a consultant for Clubes Privados de Mexico, selling family and corporate memberships to private clubs in Mexico. She eventually built a long and successful leasing career with Warehouse Associates, retiring at the age of 85. After retirement, Emma relocated to Bryan, Texas, to be closer to her family. She quickly became involved with the senior citizen group at St. Anthony Catholic Church and especially enjoyed contributing to the church’s annual bazaars. Her most cherished moments in later life were visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. Emma will be remembered for her elegance, determination, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Margarita Hinojosa, brother Hector Hinojosa, sisters Raquel Ramirez, Virginia Jimenez, nephew Tim Morales, great-grandson Bennett Ross and her former husband Charles Payne. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Bouldin and husband Joel, Catherine Wolff and husband Mark. Grandchildren: Jacqueline Dewese (Jeff), Jennifer Ross (Ben), Joel Bouldin III (Cristina), Robert Moritz (Ellen), Michelle Redmond (Mason) and 11 great-grandchildren: Cole and Grant Dewese, Houston and Harrison Ross, Carolina and Sofia Bouldin, Joseph, Ben and Hayes Moritz, Luke and Levi Redmond as well as her late nephew’s wife Gloria Morales.

A Memorial Service will be at St. Anthony Catholic Church on July 18, at 10AM. Entombment will be at Restever Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 401 S Parker Avenue, Bryan, TX 77803.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Carriage Inn Assisted Living and Acara Hospice for your loving care of our mother.