Wendy Payne

Wendy DeWanda Murphy Payne was born on November 16, 1975 in Greensburg, Kentucky at Jane Todd Crawford Hospital. She passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Wendy spent most of her life in Greensburg, Kentucky, a place she always called home.

She was a woman with a deep, unforgettable presence — strong, softhearted, and fiery all at once. A true Scorpio in every sense: passionate, loyal, protective of the people she loved, and someone who felt everything deeply. Wendy loved watching TikTok videos, baking oatmeal cookies when she was able to, talking to her parents on the phone, she loved seeing all the photos of her grandchildren, and spending her time caring for others in ways that often went unspoken. She had a giving heart and would often take her own money just to help someone else. Her favorite comforts were Chinese food and a can of Ski, along with three of her all-time favorite shows: The Golden Girls, Shameless and My Name Is Earl.

Wendy was the best daughter, mother, nana, aunt, and friend. She loved her family with everything she had and will be remembered for her strength, her softness, and her ability to endure life’s hardest moments while still showing love and generosity to those around her.

She is survived by her child: Alijah Murphy; her grandchildren: Honor Murphy, November Murphy, Day’shia Jenkins, and Azaila Jenkins; her parents: Elizabeth and Donald Murphy of Greensburg, Kentucky; and her brothers: Gary Murphy and Terry Murphy, along with nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her son: Tyler Murphy; her grandparents: Preston & Ruby Murphy, Ina & Elsie Murphy; and other loved ones who welcomed her home.

Wendy will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her love, her fire, her resilience, her strength and the way she made life feel unforgettable to those who knew her.

All services for Wendy Murphy Payne will be conducted privately at the Gupton-Landrum Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Liberty Separate Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Todd Davis officiating. 

Pallbearers: Gary Murphy, Terry Murphy, Honor Murphy and Brayden Perkins

The family would like to thank the staff at Jane Todd Crawford Hospital for their exceptional care and support- you were truly loved by Wendy.

Expressions of sympathy are requested to be made in the form of donations towards funeral expenses, which can be made at the funeral home. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Gupton-Landrum Funeral Home in Greensburg.