Elsie M. Payne

Mother Elsie M. Payne made a peaceful transition at her home Saturday morning April 30, 2022 in the presence of her family.  

Mother Payne as she was so lovingly known as was born in West Helena, Arkansas December 29, 1930 to James and Bessie Lay. She received Christ at an early age.  In a fluke with getting a duplicate birth certificate, Mother Payne’s birth year was documented as 1931.  She never tried to correct it stating ”I know how old I am,” something she never shared with anyone until she was in her  70’s.  Mother Payne was blessed with two beautiful sisters, Annie May Govan and Mozella Bradford and one brother, James Lay, Jr.

Mother Payne’s family moved to St. Louis, Missouri when she was a young girl.  There she completed her elementary and middle school education.  After her mother’s death and her father remarrying, Mother Payne moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to live with her Uncle Joe where she completed her high school education.  There she met the love of her life James Leon Payne, Sr. They were united in holy matrimony in 1951.  God blessed their union with three children, James Leon, Jr. Cheryl Ann, Janet and her bonus son, Joshua.  

In 1957 Mother Payne and her family joined St. Catherine Church under the leadership of Bishop Arlee Gilbert.  Mother Payne was baptized with her husband and two of her children.  The family later relocated to Detroit, Michigan in 1962 where they joined New Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John McLin.  She served faithfully on the Mother’s Board, Communion Board, Nurse’s Guild, and Senior Choir.   Mother Payne also served faithfully on the Mother’s Board, as a Sunday School Teacher, and as Chairman of the Communion Board at Grace Temple COGIC under Pastor Franklin Garrison.   Mother Payne was a faithful member and the Church Mother at Bibleway Mountain Moving Faith Ministry under Bishop Jack Barnett until she went home to be with the Lord.  She never failed to present holiday cards to the church which she read with great fervor. 

Mother Payne was a homemaker while she raised her children.  She loved  to sew, bake, and read. She was an amazing caregiver with adults and children.  She loved her family dearly and was always ready to attend the family reunions.  She was adored by her grandchildren even those that were not blood related. 

Through the years she acquired many Godchildren.  She loved people and always had a kind word to say.  Her advice was always straight from the Word of God!  Whenever anyone asked her how she was doing, she would answer “I’m blessed and you are, too.”

Even during her illness Mother Payne inspired others.  The Henry Ford Hospice Team and Home Healthcare Team were amazed at her strength and tenacity to overcome.   She was a diligent soldier.  Mother Payne fought a good fight, she kept the faith but was ready to leave this earthly home .   

Mother Payne was preceded in death by her husband, James Leon Payne, Sr., son, James Leon Payne, Jr, daughter, Janet Payne Snowden, grandson, James Leon Payne, III; sisters, Annie May Govan and Mozella Bradford, and brother James Lay, Jr.

Mother Payne leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Cheryl (special son,  Darnell, Sr; her daughter-in-love, Janie; her bonus  son, Joshua (Carletta); grandchildren: Marlon (Jessica); LaShonda (Ricardo, Sr);

LeKeisha (Craig); Tiffany; Angel; Andrea; Jeshawna, Joshua, Jr; Andre Sr; Nicole (Nate);Dwan (Alonzo); Darnell II (LaTasha). Great-grandchildren: Jezmyn, Harper; James IV, Diamond; Richardo, Jr; Caitlyn; Maurice; Kache, Darnell III; Alicia, Olivia; Ladreya, LaKayra, Andre Jr; LaNira, Alex, Allen; Antoine, Nicole, Nia; James Deshaun, Caylin, Jeremiah, Christopher and Cameron, Christian and Gabriel, Angel and Miya; Jay’veon, Shantanae, Isaac, Jada, Jayden, Imani; two great-grandchildren: Kai and Xavier;nieces; Shermaine, Lisa and Sandra; nephew: Kenneth; a host of great nieces, nephews, and cousins; her best friend, Velma. 

“I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith; henceforth,

There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,

Shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”       2 Timothy 4:7-8