Lorine Payne Ledford

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lorine Payne Ledford, who left this world peacefully on August 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 17, 1929, in Isabel, (Knox County) Tennessee, Lorine was a beloved daughter, devoted wife, cherished mother, and proud grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

Lorine enjoyed a fulfilling career, having retired from Pharr Yarns after many years of dedicated service. Beyond her professional life, her greatest pride and joy were always her family. She found immense happiness in spending time with her grandchildren—Kim, Julie, Brian, Lynn, David, Shane, Gary, Sammy Jo, Star, Brandy, and Travis—and was blessed with 16 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Each moment spent with them was a treasure she held dear, leaving behind a legacy of love that echoes through each generation.

A faithful member of New Faith Baptist Church, Lorine delighted in her church community, finding happiness and joy in both worship and the uplifting melodies of Christian music. Perhaps not surprisingly, she also had a soft spot for classic television, finding laughter and comfort in episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, which she loved dearly. Her warm spirit and kind heart were reflected in every interaction, drawing others to her vibrant personality.

Lorine’s life was deeply enriched by the companionship of her husband, William Ledford, and her daughters, Christine Slagle and Gail Spencer, who preceded her in death. She carried the memories of her parents, John Poley Payne and Lennie Graham Payne, as well as her siblings—Earl, Ralph, William, and Mary Ellen—close to her heart. Even in their absence, they shaped the loving and nurturing woman she became.

Her Celebration of Life will be held at New Faith Baptist Church in Gastonia, North Carolina, on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Michael Spargo officiating. Visitation will take place from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, followed by a burial at Gaston Memorial Park, Hillcrest section, where family and friends will come together to honor her remarkable life and the profound impact, she had on all who knew her.

Pallbearers will be, Shane Bumgarner, Brian Slagle, Ashley Jenkins, Joel Love, David Deal, and Jarrett Johnson.

 Memorials may be made to New Faith Baptist Church, 110 Reese Street, Gastonia, NC  28056

As we reflect on Lorine's life, we remember her as a beacon of love, a source of laughter, and an unwavering support for her family. Her spirit reminds us to cherish one another and the moments we share, as she did so beautifully throughout her lifetime. She will be deeply missed, yet her light will continue to shine through the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com