Passed away in Wynnewood, Ok. on January 1, 2008 at the age 109 Years, 3 months and 5 days.
Haddie was born Sept. 27,1898 in the Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, which is now Garvin County, Okla. to George Thomas and Annie Belle Perkins Hottel. she was the oldest of 19 children and received her 8th grade education at the Corley School south of Stratford, Ok.
She married Sol Austin October 14,1917 at Stratford, Ok. Sol served his Country during World War I and developed a lung condition as a result of mustard gas during the War. He was infailing health when he returned home and passed away in 1926 leaving Haddie with four small children(2 boys, 2 girls) to raise. She sold milk, butter & eggs to provide for her family.
On June 22, 1943 after all her children were grown, she married George Preston Payne, a Christian. George had 4 grown children also(3 boys and 1 girl) their family had doubled.
Haddie had lived all her life in Stratford except for 16 years. She and G.P. lived in Donna, Tx. where they raised cotton and fruit, they moved back to Stratford in 1962. Mr. Payne passed away in 1973 just 3 short months of their 30th Wedding Anniversary.
She was able to stay in her home alone until the age of 98. She had lived next door to her daughter, Nora Jean Mann since returning from Texas. In 1998 her oldest daughter Christine Howell( whose husband had passed away in 1998) moved in with Haddie and stayed with her for 6 years. Her Grandson Johnny Mann has been her caretaker since 2004 while she was a resident of the nursing home.
Haddie was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ where she was very active through the years. Her life's work was caring for others. She has been a blessing to her family setting an example through her commitment to them, her commitment to Christ, and she has established a legacy of love that will extend for generations to come. She was featured in the Nov. 2006 issue of "Oklahoma Today" as being one of the oldest people in Oklahoma. All of their pictures hung in the State Capitol building for a time during the State's Centennial Celebration. At the time of Her death She was the oldest person in Oklahoma.