Theresa Payne

Theresa J. (Burton) Payne

Theresa J. Payne, better known to her friends as “Tess or the Egg Lady”, age 52 took the hand of God and went home on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at her home with her husband, Duane by her side.

Tess was born in Erie, Pa on February 15, 1969, the daughter to Paul and Jane (Klisart) Burton.  Tess has a brother, Bryan who had always been by her side from childhood through her adult life.  She enjoyed life her way and on her terms.  She was a member of the St. Jude Roman Catholic Church of Erie and when she met and married Duane Payne, they moved to West Springfield where she met a new church family at the West Springfield United Methodist Church, where she became very involved in teaching Sunday school, a Bible Missionary outreach service and helping out wherever she could.

One of her greatest thrills was the hobby that she and Duane shared raising chickens, ducks, and turkeys.  Many people who knew Tess and her love of animals called her the “Egg Lady.”  She would supply eggs to many people in the area and would raise special-breed chickens to sell to people who wanted a specific type.

Tess liked to do many different things.  She was in the ROTC program while she was in High School.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, fishing, and most recently-shooting.  But her most favorite animal on her farm that she loved with all her heart, was “Wilma” her Chihuahua dog.  They were inseparable.  You never saw them apart.

Besides her husband, Duane, Tess is survived by her brother, Bryan Burton of Erie, Pa her parents and her step-father, Tom Bowen.  She is also survived by two dear nephews; Ryan and Benjamin Burton.

There will be no calling for Tess as was her request.  The family is having a private service and she will be buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the West Springfield United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 263, West Springfield, PA 16443.  Arrangements are being handled with Care by Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home, East Springfield, Pa.  Please light a candle or leave a condolence at www.jeanevansthompsonfh.com.