New life for Payne post-Avenir
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Mary Lynne Payne, left, is pictured with guests during a 2019 “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Avenir fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association — an organization where she recently began working. - File photos
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Payne’s beloved Turkish Angora, Lulu Pearl, which recently passed away, was selected as the group’s WALK to Make Alzeheimer’s a Memory 2021 Pet Mascot. - File photos
Mary Lynne Payne, Avenir Memory Care Knoxville’s long-time marketing director, started a new life chapter earlier this month, stepping into a new role with Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc., as its Business Development and Public Relations specialist following nearly nine years with the memory care assisted living community.
“Nobody loves Avenir like I do, and it was difficult decision to make the change,” she said, noting she has been with the memory care assisted living facility since it opened as Clarity Pointe Knoxville in May 2013.
“But I am very excited to be working with an amazing organization like Alzheimer’s Tennessee, which is already near and dear to my heart,” she added.
It was a natural segue for Payne, who already had been collaborating with the organization for years in various capacities. “I began working with Alzheimer’s Tennessee as the marketing director of Clarity Pointe when we met to discuss a corporate sponsorship.
“Alzheimer’s Tennessee’s director of programs, Linda Johnson, and I connected from the very beginning, and my relationships with other members of the Alzheimer’s Tennessee team blossomed over the years with each passing annual WALK,” she said, listing several Clarity Pointe/Avenir fundraisers for Alzheimer’s Tennessee over the years under Payne’s direction, such as “An Affair to Remember” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
In 2020, the CEO/president of Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Janice Wade Whitehead, asked Payne to co-chair the WALK to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory.
She unknowingly stepped into “quite a challenge” with the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic, but with her leadership, energy and creativity for fundraising, she helped turn a difficult situation into a “virtual” WALK success.
As the marketing director of a dedicated memory care facility, Payne worked closely with families navigating the difficult process of placing a loved one in the care of an assisted living facility, often utilizing resources available through Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
“I already understood the great part they played in serving Tennesseans facing Alzheimer’s disease, providing services such as education, caregiver support groups and championing global research efforts,” Payne said. “Everything about my role at Avenir has helped me prepare for my position, knowing I had to keep helping individuals living with Alzheimer’s and doing what God means for me to do.
“This new role will certainly be a way for me to continue honoring all those I have come to love at Avenir who are suffering from this horrific disease, as well as family members recently diagnosed,” she added. “I really love that I can continue to do my part advocating for others that are fighting this battle.”
Even her beloved rescue kitty, LuLu Pearl, a Turkish Angora who showed up on Payne’s doorstep in 2016, will be honored this year as the 2021 WALK to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory Pet Mascot, with more than $2,100 raised using the pet. Recently passing away, LuLu Pearl was a frequent visitor at Avenir, much to the resident’s delight.
“It really is the perfect timing and a perfect fit, a match made in heaven,” Payne said about her new role. “I already honor what Alzheimer’s Tennessee does, and they are very excited to have me as a part of their team.
“I am looking forward to new growth opportunities and to using my gifts to support this wonderful organization that helps so many people right here in Tennessee,” she added.
