Ms. Martha "Charlene" Payne Hendrix, age 63, of Cartersville, went peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father September 15, 2021 surrounded by her two daughters.

She was born April 15, 1958, in Rome, Georgia to the late William H. Payne and Betty Ralston Payne. Charlene was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville where she was honored to play the clarinet in the orchestra. She was a 1976 graduate of Model High School and received a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry from Shorter University in 1981. She worked for many years as a microbiologist and chemist. Her greatest accomplishment in life were her two daughters, Rebecca and Rachel. She loved supporting her children in everything they did and various activities, including being a room mom and helping with the band booster club. She was an avid reader and found a new joy in being a grandmother; she enjoyed spending time with her precious grandchildren, Jacob and Madilynn. Charlene was blessed to be a kidney transplant recipient in October of 2019. Later, she became a Transplant Ambassador for several transplant and kidney organizations. Charlene was a person of perseverance who overcame many obstacles throughout life. She will be remembered as a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents; William H. Payne and Betty Ralston Payne; stepfather, John Mandragouras; and brother, William "Dwight" Payne.

She is s urvived by her children, Rebe c ca Hendrix ( Eric ) Owen and Rachel Hendrix Willis; grandchildren, Jacob Willis and Madilynn Owen; brother, Rodney Payne; sister -in-law, Janice Payne ; nieces and nephews , Matthew Payne, Patrick (Joey) Collum, Amelia Payne, Emmaline Payne, and Addison Payne ; great- nieces , Harper Collum, Elliot Collum, and Addison Barnes .

Due to COVID-19, the family will hold a private Celebration of Charlene's life Saturday, October 2, 2021 with Reverends Steve McCombs and Don Startup officiating.  Private graveside service following in Plainview Baptist Church Cemetery in the Sonoraville Community. Honorary Pallbearers will include Eric Owen, Scott Ayers, Gary Ralston, Gene Payne, Matthew Payne, Daniel Ralston, and Zachary Ralston.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to Georgia Transplant Foundation at gatransplant.org

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Inc., Adairsville is in charge of arrangements for Ms. Martha "Charlene" Payne Hendrix.