Patricia “Pat” O’Neal Steele Payne, 83, of Kannapolis, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital.

Pat was born August 2, 1942, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina to the late Harvey O’Neal Steele and the late Ruby Virginia Hedrick Steele.

She was also preceded in death by husband, Grady R. Payne and siblings, Donald “D.R.” Ray Steele, Barbara “Bobbie” Goodnight, and Michael “Mike” D. Steele.

The graveside service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Carolina Memorial Park Cemetery in Kannapolis officiated by Pastor Mike Edwards. Burial will immediately follow at Carolina Memorial Park Cemetery, 601 Mt. Olivet Rd., Kannapolis.

She is survived by her son, Keith L. Payne and wife, Lori of Kannapolis, NC and many nieces and nephews.

Pat proudly graduated from Winecoff High School in 1960. She devoted her life to her family as a homemaker and lovingly cared for children in her home for many years. She also faithfully served her church by teaching Sunday School and caring for children in the nursery.

Memorials may be made to Piedmont Baptist Church, 5870 Wright Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28081.