Sandra Ballenger Crouch Payne, 84, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, in Newberry, SC surrounded by loved ones.

She was born in Anniston, AL and a daughter of the late Roger Hughes Crouch, Sr. and Dorothy Ballenger Crouch. She was a lady whose life was marked by a deep commitment to education, service and caring for others. Mrs. Payne earned her B.S. degree in nursing from the University of S.C. and later completed her Master’s degree. As a Nurse Practitioner and educator, she held a position with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in the School of Family Medicine.

Throughout Mrs. Payne’s career, she believed strongly in the importance of personal, compassionate patient care. She dedicated herself to helping individuals better understand and manage chronic illnesses, providing education, answering questions, reviewing medications, and helping patients work toward improved health. Through her work with Care Improvement Plus, she provided in-home care to chronically ill patients throughout Richland, Lexington, and Saluda counties, helping patients navigate the challenges that often accompany long-term illness. Her dedication to healthcare and community service was recognized with the Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, as well as community service awards from the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

Outside of Mrs. Payne’s professional life, she shared her love of music and faith through her service as the former church organist at Saluda Presbyterian Church. Her talents and dedication enriched the worship of those around her and reflected the many ways she gave of herself to her community.

Her life was one of knowledge, compassion, faith, and service. Mrs. Payne will be remembered not only for her accomplishments in nursing and education, but also for the care she extended to those who needed it and the lasting impact she made on the lives of her patients, church family, friends, and loved ones.

Surviving are a daughter, Delia Payne of Columbia; two sisters, Jackie Merchant (Wyman) of Lexington and Jenny Derrick (Doyle) of Saluda; and three grandchildren, Lee Payne, Julia Payne, and James Payne.

Mrs. Payne was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. Paul Eugene Payne, Jr., a brother, Roger Hughes Crouch, Jr., and a son, Paul Eugene Payne, III.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Agape of S.C. for their unwavering compassion, reliability, and care. To Tarzanna Waymeyers and Erica Smith, your dedication and kindness over the past four years have been truly heartwarming and deeply appreciated. Lastly, a special thank you to Carmen Mincey of Carmen’s Care of Newberry for being there for Sandy during her final days and for loving and spoiling her over the years. The family is forever grateful to each of you for the love and comfort you provided to Sandy and to those who love her.

Services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Saluda Presbyterian Church with Rev. Allen Derrick officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to Saluda Presbyterian Church, 103 W. Highland Avenue, Saluda, SC 29138 or The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor New York, NY 10001.

Please share your memories and condolences online at www.rameyfuneralhome.com.