Thursday, February 12, 2026 10:35 am

Vivian Scoggins Payne, 77, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Rutherfordton, North Carolina in 1948 to the late Sam and Ruby Scoggins, Vivian grew up with a gentle spirit and a deep love for reading and poetry, words and stories that brought her comfort throughout her life.

As one of twenty siblings, family was the center of her world, and that devotion never faded. In 1972, Vivian married Robert A. Payne, and together they welcomed three sons. Nothing meant more to Vivian than time spent surrounded by her family and her faith.

She proudly served for over ten years with the Kings Mountain Police Department as a telecommunicator, dedicating herself to her community with quiet strength and compassion.

A woman of strong faith, Vivian was a devoted member of her church, where her belief in God guided her life and brought her peace. She found joy in singing hymns, cooking meals for those she loved, writing, and losing herself in a good book. These passions, and the love behind them, live on through her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Ruby Scoggins; her beloved husband, Robert A. Payne; several siblings; and her daughter-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Payne.

Vivian leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her sons, Robert C. Payne, Travis Payne, and Jonathan Payne; her grandchildren, Lorin Payne, Isaiah Payne, Gabrielle Lopez, Blaze Payne, Nathan Payne, Lily Payne, Corey Payne, and Summer Payne; her great-grandchildren, Salem Widener and Rohan Lopez; and her sister, Wanda Lane along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close.

Though she is no longer with us, Vivian's love, kindness, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Midview Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, NC, with Pastor Mike Rice officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Midview Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.