Margie Louise Payne Moss, at 97 years and 8 months ended her earthly life on April 16, 2022 at home surrounded by loved ones. Margie was born on July 8, 1924, in Willow Springs, Mo. to Walter W. and Effie B. (Garlett) Payne. She was blessed to have two sisters, Vivian Pauline and Martha Lorene.
Margie’s father Walter was an engineer for the Frisco railroad, but his love of building and entrepreneurship led him to build a gas station and night club where Margie and her sister learned how to work and run a business. Later, the family built Payne’s Motel and a restaurant called Charcoal Corral where she continued to work in the family business until she graduated high school in Willow Springs in 1942. After graduation, Margie worked in St. Louis and the state of California during WW II, then she returned to Willow Springs where she married Lloyd Moss and had her only son, Daney Dee Moss. Margie was the bookkeeper for the family businesses until the death of her father and mother. She then “solely” ran the business until 1979 when she sold to Yellow Freight Systems and moved to St. Louis where she was employed by Drury Inn Corporation for 17 years. After retiring in 1996, she returned to Willow Springs for the remainder of her life. In her early years, Margie was very active both socially and politically. She served as President of local Business and Professional Women and American Legion Auxiliary. She also served as Treasurer of Howell County Democratic Committee and was Democratic committee woman for many years. Margie was also the state registrar for five townships and Willow Springs, recording all vital statistics. She was a Cub Scout den mother and vice-pres. and Secretary for the local PTA. Margie had a passion for golf, playing into her nineties. She was a member of the old sand green course in Willow Springs and a charter member of Willow Springs Country Club. Margie attributed her long and busy life to long walks for exercise, coffee with the “girls”, and a good diet that included many vegetables. She will be missed by family and all those who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Effie Payne; her sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Gene Graves; sister, Martha Lorene, and daughter in law, Peggy Mitchem Moss.
Margie is survived by her loving son, Daney; her nephew, Buster Graves (Donna); great nephews, DeWayne Graves (Christy), and Farrell Graves. Great-great nephews: Ethan Graves, Gavin Graves, Garrett Graves, and great-great niece, Maggie Graves. A niece, Barbara Shipley and her children, Christy Archdale (Richard) and Jeff Shipley (Angie). Great-great nieces: Brittany Patterson, Brandi Patterson, Alivia Archdale, Baylee Shipley, great-great nephew, Ryan Shipley, and several great-great-great nieces and nephews all of the state of Illinois.
A visitation for Margie will be held Thursday, April 21st, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Willow Funeral Home, LLC with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 AM with Pastor Bob Martin officiating. Interment will be held at Willow Springs City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
