Sharon Payne

Sharon Payne, age 71 of Mitchellville, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, January 1 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota with her family by her side. Sharon was the daughter of Oscar and Edith Bailey. Survived by her brother Wayne Bailey of Lacey, Washington, she was raised in a musical family where education was prioritized.

Sharon was raised in Bondurant, Iowa and graduated from Bondurant High School in 1971. Sharon met her husband Craig Payne at Drake University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Sharon and Craig celebrated fifty years of marriage November 29, 2024.

Sharon is survived by children Brandt Payne of Altoona, and Laura Cannon of Lexington, South Carolina. Grandchildren are Lily and Chloe of Altoona and Bailey, Colton, and Greyson of Lexington, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Laura “Edith” Bailey of Mitchellville. Sharon loved her family, especially her grandchildren and the fun that came with spending time with them. She also loved her beagle Allie and the many walks they took.

Sharon spent her career as an elementary music teacher and performing musician. She taught for the Southeast Polk Community School District for 33 years. As a pianist and organist, Sharon played for countless church services, weddings, funerals, and other events. She taught piano lessons and accompanied hundreds of young musicians at solo festivals. As a clarinetist, for several summers, she played with the Des Moines Municipal Band and their Summer “Music Under the Stars” concerts at the state capitol.

Sharon volunteered for hospice organizations by playing piano and singing for patients. She was also an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in Des Moines. She was chaplain and fundraised for veteran’s initiatives in the chapter. Sharon enjoyed sewing and quilting, frequently winning blue and purple ribbons for her entries at the Iowa State Fair. Sharon also enjoyed volunteering for and spending time at the Mitchellville Public Library, often holding sing alongs with children from the community.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mitchellville Public Library in memory of Sharon.

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