Loretta Marcene Payne Gregory

Loretta Marcene Payne Gregory, 86, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 18, 2026. Born on December 13, 1939, in Elkhurst, West Virginia, Loretta was a devoted Christian whose faith guided her life and shaped the love she poured into everyone around her.

Loretta was known for being the very best mom, grandma, and great-grandma—steady, loving, nurturing, and selfless, she always had open arms for her family and friends. Her greatest joy was found in spending quality time with her loved ones, cultivating her beautiful flower gardens, embarking on cherished beach trips, and wholeheartedly supporting 4-H and Camp Caesar.

Loretta leaves behind her loving family, including her sons Bill Payne of Bolair and Jeff (Jodi) Gregory of Ohio; her daughters Becky (Jesse) Cogar of Webster Springs, Rebecca Jett of Kentucky, and Donett (Melvin) Holcomb of Bolair. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Christina Heflin, Andy (Lindsay) Jordan, Shawn Jordan, Lacey (Mark) Lamon, Ashley (Christian) Payne, Taylr (Joe) Bradford, Derek (Teia) Heflin, Destiny (Corbett) Morgan, and Cayley Jett, along with 21 great-grandchildren who were enriched by her love and nurturing spirit. She is survived by her sisters Trudy Velotta of Ohio, Lura (Jess) Long of Ohio, and Carol (Tom) Anderson of Webster Springs, as well as her sister-in-law Barbara Naylor of Reedsville.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents Garrett and Mae Naylor Williams, her stepfather William Williams, her husband Ellis Gregory, her son Edward Keith Payne, her granddaughter Linda Bell Payne, her grandson Thomas Edward Heflin, III, and her brothers Owen, Bub, and Bill Naylor.

A visitation to honor Loretta will be held at Morris Funeral Home in Cowen, West Virginia, on February 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Pastor Mark Coffman will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Gregory Cemetery in Curtin, WV.

Her love, laughter, and nurturing spirit will continue to grow in all of us as we remember her fondly and celebrate a life beautifully lived.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com

Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.