Deseret News, 12/18/10

Jean Sparks Payne 1923 ~ 2010 Wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Betty "Jean" Sparks Payne, 87 years of age, passed away on December 15, 2010, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Of the many titles Jean held, "Grandma" meant the most to her. Jean was born November 20, 1923, in Idaho, the first child of Cottrell Nate Sparks and Cornelia Mumford Sparks. Jean excelled in academics, skipping a grade in elementary school and graduating as class valedictorian from Montpelier High School. She attended Utah State University (Agricultural College of Utah). Jean valued higher education and encouraged her children and grandchildren to earn a college degree. Jean married Cecil E. Payne on April 9, 1948, in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. Jean and Cecil moved to Salt Lake City and raised three children together. In addition to her role as mother, Jean also enjoyed a successful career in the banking industry, serving in many capacities including assistant vice president at American Savings. While always gracious and proper, Jean also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved dancing and music. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. Jean frequently said she "wouldn't trade the world" for her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life and her reason for living. Her generosity and selfless love ensured their happiness and wellbeing. Married for 59 years, Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Cecil. Jean is survived by her son, Corey; daughter, Jan; son, Mark (Dawn Rae); grandchildren, Amber, Angela (Jon), Craig, Tyler (Amanda), Daniel, Chase, Seth, Dustin, Krystle, Zach; great-grandson, Noah; brother, Gordon; brother, Daryl (Betty); and sister, Marilyn (Paul). Jean is also survived by many loved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 20, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Jean's family would like to express their deepest appreciation to all of Jean's home health care providers, as well as the staff at both Sunrise Senior Living and Silverado Senior Living for their compassion and unconditional loving care for Jean these past years.