Rhea Ayers Payne Wiles

Ms. Rhea Ayers Payne Wiles, 80, of Elberton, GA, passed away on December 30, 2025, at her residence.

The fourth of six children, Rhea was born in Elberton, GA on May 5, 1945, and was raised in Calhoun Falls, SC. She was a 1963 graduate of Calhoun Falls High School, where she was named Miss Calhoun Falls that same year.

Rhea worked in the granite industry for most of her career and retired from Dixie Granite Company as Administrative Operations Payroll Manager. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Elberton, where she was active in the Alpha Louree Sunday School Class, the Backpack Ministry, the Grandparent Ministry to the youth, and the SAM (Senior Adult Ministry).

Above all else, Rhea fiercely loved and adored her children. Being their mother was her greatest pride and joy, and she was their constant champion—steadfast in her devotion, and unwavering in her love and support. Her family was the center of her world, and that love only deepened with the arrival of her grandson, Weston, who became the light of her life.

She was a member of the Preceptor Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and was voted Valentine Queen by her sorority in 2013. Rhea was also an ardent supporter of the Elbert Theatre, appearing in numerous performances. She was awarded Best Comedic Scene in 2015 for her role in Dashing Through the Snow. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing Bunco and spending time with friends and family.

Survivors include her children: Lisa Elaine Wiles of Macon, GA; Kristi Wiles Emeneker and her husband, Victor, of North Augusta, SC; and Ryan Matthew Wiles and his wife, Shannon, of Avondale Estates, GA; her grandson, Weston Payne Wiles; siblings: Jo Patterson of Calhoun Falls, SC; Toni Ross of Greenwood, SC; and Fred Payne of Calhoun Falls, SC; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ozro Raymond “Pete” Payne and Annie Lucille Ayers Payne; and siblings, Sammy Payne and Pete Payne.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Berry Funeral Home, 1265 Washington Highway, Elberton, GA 30635.

A memorial service celebrating Rhea’s life will be conducted on Saturday, January 10, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Elberton, 132 Heard Street, Elberton, GA 30635.

Contributions may be made in her memory of Rhea P. Wiles to The Elbert Theatre Foundation, P.O. Box 70, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Ms. Rhea Ayers Payne Wiles.