Beatrice Smith Payne was born to A. B. and Roberta Clewis Smith, parents also to Willie, Viola (Poullard), Napoleon, Earl, and Leroy Smith.

They resided in the Posey Bridge Road Community and were members of Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church.

The family moved to Palestine, Texas, where Beatrice studied at Washington Elementary and Lincoln High Schools.

She moved to Houston, Texas and completed cosmetology studies at Franklin Beauty School, becoming State-certified.  She worked in various beauty salons in Pearland and Houston.

While living in Houston, she united with Wesley Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.  Beatrice returned to Palestine in 1974.  She united with New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church and later Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she remained active in many ministries.

Beatrice has owned and operated Beatrice's Beauty Salon since 1974, an accomplishment of which she was extremely proud. As an adult, she also studied sewing and tailoring and enjoyed fashioning clothing for herself and others. She was married to the late George Payne from Palestine, Texas.  There were no children born to their union, but Beatrice has mothered many children, including her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, A.B. and Roberta Clewis Smith; husband, George Payne; brothers, Willie Smith and Earl Smith; and sister, Viola Poullard.

She leaves to cherish her memories two brothers, Napoleon (Mildred Smith) and Earl Smith; two sisters-in-law, Victoria Smith and Margaret Narcisse; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.