Rebecca Payne Lovett

Rebecca Payne Lovett

November 12, 1941 – October 19, 2025

Rebecca "Becky" Payne Lovett, 83, of Wrightsville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on October 19, 2025.

Born in Clayton, Georgia, on November 12, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Harley and Ola Payne of Milledgeville, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dr. David Payne of Winder, Georgia; and her beloved husband of 59 years, Leon A. Lovett. She is survived by her son, Ralph Harley Lovett, and his two sons, Edward "Kohan" Lovett, and Edmund "Kohler" Lovett, her daughter Lara Lovett Wakely, (Steve) and her children Ryan Steven Wakely, and Caroline Lovett Wakely.

Rebecca graduated from the Women's College of Georgia (later Georgia College) with her first bachelor's degree. While living in Milledgeville, she met her future husband, Leon, and the two married in 1965 following her graduation.

A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Rebecca earned multiple master's degrees and served in various teaching and leadership positions over her distinguished career. Her roles included classroom teacher in Johnson County, vice principal in Laurens County, and professor of education at Georgia College—where she inspired and mentored future generations of Georgia teachers. She retired in her 60s due to health issues but continued to support education and learning throughout her life.

Of all her achievements, Rebecca most cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. She found great joy in spending time with her family and was deeply involved in her children's and grandchildren's education, always encouraging curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many special caregivers, nurses, friends, and neighbors who supported and cared for Rebecca in recent years, including Sylvia Taylor Jose, Victoria Fields, Bea Rozier, David Hall, Susan Wood, Phillip Boatright , Donnie Sweat and many others whose kindness and dedication meant so much.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Harley Fulford Library, P.O. Box 69, Wrightsville, GA 31096

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel has charge of the funeral arrangements.