Betty Payne Acuff passed away on August 15, 2026, at NHC The Trace in Nashville, Tennessee.

Born on January 8, 1930, in Manchester, Tennessee, she was a life long resident of middle Tennessee. She often remarked that middle Tennessee was the most beautiful place in the world. She loved nature, taking long walks with her dog Greta, and all things floral. She particularly loved the Monteagle and Sewanee, Tennessee area.

Betty was married to Robert Payne of Pelham, Tennessee, in 1950, and lived in Pelham until his death in 1981. During her time in Pelham, she had one daughter, Billie. She had a wonderful career outside the home beginning in 1956 at Russells Department Stores in Winchester, Tennessee in accounting and retail sales. She worked there for 27 years. In addition to her professional work, she enjoyed fashion design, gardening and needlework.

In later life, Betty married Jasper Acuff and moved to Nashville in 1984. She became an avid golfer. She was very proud of her Hole in One at Old Hickory Country Club. She was a traveler. Hawaii was her favorite trip of all her travels. She was always interested in learning something new and loved taking adult education courses at Lipscomb University. Betty liked to stay busy.

Betty was a life long member of the Church of Christ. Most of her years were spent at Charlotte Avenue church where she attended with her husband, Jasper, and in later years at Charlotte Heights in Nashville. She will always be remembered for her love of volunteering, ladies Bible class and cooking and entertaining her church family. She enjoyed people and always had a smile and welcoming spirit. She was a woman of unwavering faith.

In later years, Betty resided at NHC The Trace in Nashville, Tennessee. She loved her time in Assisted Living and made many friends there. She loved the outings, the activities, especially Bingo, and Weekly Bible Study and Sunday Church Service provided by River Road Church of Christ.

Betty leaves her daughter Billie Payne Rozell (William) of Franklin, Tennessee, her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Nathan and Jessi Hill and their sons Everett and Corbin of Nashville, Tennessee and Eric and Katie Hill and children Aubrie and Owen of Franklin, Tennessee. She was so very proud of the legacy she was leaving behind.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 31 years Robert Payne of Pelham, Tennessee and her husband of 19 years Jasper Acuff of Nashville, Tennessee, her parents Paul and Marie McBride of Manchester, Tennessee, and brothers Billy McBride of Huntsville, Alabama and Harry McBride.

The family will receive friends at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 9:30am-10:30am with Celebration of Life service at 10:30am officiated by Jim Dillingham followed by a private family graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Fund, Healing Hands International or Nashville Rescue Mission.