Rachel McClain

Rachel Ellen Payne McClain March 31, 1983 – October 28, 2025 Age 42. 

Beloved daughter, granddaughter, and niece. She enjoyed life with a childlike wonder. Lover of: animals, especially her dog Angel, NSYNC, bowling, especially in the Special Olympics, the color purple, karaoke, Lionheart Championship Wrestling Disney characters Stitch and Tinkerbell her doll collection, and the actor Robert Pattinson. Believer in Christ’s salvation. Avid crafter: crocheting quilting diamond art.

 She enjoyed traveling with her family and aunt on a cruise to Mexico, road trips to Branson, the Ark Experience in Kentucky, and Nashville TN. 

She would talk and plan all year long for the annual Night to Shine special needs prom hosted at WestARK church. It was the highlight of her year!

 Rachel was born to Ronald and Nancy Payne in Atascadero, California and raised there and in the Rocklin, California area where she graduated high school. She moved with her family to the Fort Smith, Arkansas area in 2009. She completed an online Veterinary Assistant course and worked for a short time at South County Animal Hospital in Greenwood, Arkansas.

 She was taken much too soon after a short battle with the rare Myelodysplastic [My-low-displastic] Syndrome which converted to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Rachel lost her fight in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

Rachel is survived by her father Ronald C. Payne, her uncle Mark R. Payne, and her aunt Tammy L. Heinsohn. At the time of death she was estranged from her husband of five years, J. Allen McClain. She is preceded in death by her mother Nancy E. Wilson Payne, her grandparents: Ken and Doris Heinsohn, Albert and Faye Wilson, and Lamont Payne.

 A celebration of life will be held November 22, 2025 at 2:00pm at WestArk Church of Christ, 900 Waldron Ave, Fort Smith Arkansas.

 In lieu of flowers the family requests you honor Rachel’s memory by making a donation in her name to Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), Special Olympics, or any local animal rescue of your choosing.