“There is still so much for me to learn.” – Minnie Payne

Minnie Payne is a contributor for Texas Lifestyle Magazine, writing many editorial stories for our readers to enjoy. But she is not just part of our team, she is an inspiration to those of us who have the pleasure of working with her. 

By the time most people reach their late 20s, they cannot fathom going back to school. By then, they usually have a job or can take specific courses to improve their skillset. Not Minnie. At 90 years old, she walked across the stage with her grandson as she received her Masters degree.

Growing up in Pelzer, South Carolina, Minnie says it was like growing up in any small town. “My parents were both uneducated and worked at a cotton mill. We were poor but we didn’t know it, everyone around us was in the same boat,” Minnie shared. She said when she was young, she was an average student. “My grandma lived with us, but there were four children in the house. I didn’t really have anyone to encourage or help me. We practically raised ourselves.”

It wasn’t until 1986 that Minnie moved to Texas due to her husband’s job. She retired as a transcriptionist and word processor a few years later. But at 69 years old, Minnie decided she wanted to go back to school and get her undergraduate degree in journalism. Four years later, she graduated from Texas Women’s University at age 73 and worked for another 16 years following her graduation.

One degree just wasn’t enough for Minnie, though. She decided she was going to get her Masters degree from University of North Texas. “My children and grandkids were happy that I wanted to improve myself,” Minnie says of her family’s reaction to her going back to school. In December 2023, Minnie walked across the stage with her grandson escorting her to receive her masters degree in interdisciplinary studies.

When asked how classes might be different for her compared to a traditional student – she says they were not. “Nobody treated me any differently. We were all there for the same purpose and that was to learn.”

This accomplishment makes Minnie the oldest documented student at the University of North Texas to complete her degree. When asked for the secret to living a happy and long life, Minnie says, “Do something constructive and you will be happy. Don’t just sit and watch tv, get out and go for a walk.” 

Even at 92 years old, Minnie continues to work hard, writing her articles for Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She currently resides in the Bryan/College Station area.

 “You don’t realize the value of youth until you lose it.” – Minnie Payne 

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Cover Photo Courtesy Minnie Payne

Emily Hord is the Assistant Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a native Texan. She graduated from Texas A&M University and in her free time, she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with her friends and family.