Brendalee (Brandy) Payne, lovingly known as “Auntie B,” passed away unexpectedly after a sudden illness on August 15, 2025, at the age of 70.
Born on May 26, 1955, in New Haven, Connecticut, Brendalee earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and served in that field until she retired. Brendalee joined the US Navy after graduating from college, serving on active duty and then the reserves for a total of 30 years, retiring at the rank of commander. Her Navy career took her to several duty stations around the US, as well as a tour in Okinawa, where she developed a deep affection for Japanese culture. After transferring to the Navy reserve, she continued her nursing career as a civilian, working at Candler and Memorial Health Hospitals in Savanna, Georgia. She dedicated her career to caring for women as a breast cancer nurse and advocate, and in the delivery room, where she touched countless lives with her compassion, strength, and healing presence.
Brenda is survived by her brother, Anthony, his wife Eva, and her cherished niece, Michela, along with many cousins, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was predeceased by her mother, Jean Melillo; her stepfather, Anthony Melillo; and her brother, Howard Payne.
Her legacy of kindness, service, and love will live on in the lives she cared for and the family who adored her. The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to their local humane society.
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Coastal Georgia Nurse Honor Guard
The Coastal Georgia Nurse Honor Guard (CGNHG) would like to extend its sincere gratitude for allowing us to recognize the outstanding contributions of Brendalee Payne, RN with a Florence Nightingale Nursing Tribute. We will always remember her unwavering dedication to the Nursing Profession and the positive impact she had on the lives of every patient she cared
for. 💙We are Nurses Honoring Nurses! 💙
Guillermo Lopez
Sorry to hear of her passing! So sudden and so sad.
Was Brendalee ever married?
Melissa Michael
I had the pleasure of working with Brandy at Candler so I am deeply sorry to hear of her passing. Brandy always kept me entertained with her stories of Maddy. She loved and adored her poodle baby. My thoughts are with her family.
Guillermo Lopez
Sorry to hear of her passing! So sudden and so sad. Was Brandi ever married?
Wendy Ortiz
I am a former co-worker of Brandi’s and just was told of her passing. We worked together in the GI/Endo suite until she retired. We often talk about the old crew and her name comes up often. Sadly, we all lost contact after she retired. I was very saddened by her passing. May she rest in Heaven, dance with the angels and play with her pups that met her at the rainbow bridge when she arrived. She loved her babies. Prayers to her family and friends.
Guillermo Lopez
Sorry to hear of her passing! So sudden and so sad. Was Brandi ever married?
Guillermo Lopez
Was Brendalee ever married? Sorry to hear of her passing.