Elmer G Payne

Elmer G. Payne was born August 12, 1932, in Wynn, Arkansas, to the late Abraham and Magnolia Payne. On Friday, July 5, 2024, in the comfort of his home, Elmer made his transition at 10:00 in the morning, with his children at his side. There was a leak in his old building, so he moved upstairs to his permanent home with the Lord.

Elmer was one of ten children and the last surviving sibling. Postell, Estell, John Willie, Abraham, Nathaniel, Ruby, Marcella, Richard, and Maggie Louise, all preceded him in death. Elmer, who had a difficult early life, left home at the age of 13, which hindered his formal education. In 1952, he met and married Marian (Mildred) Steverson. To this union, six children were born. Two of them, Elmer Payne, Jr., and Elaine Payne, preceded him in death. In 1986, he married Winfred Quinn, who also preceded him in death.

Elmer worked many jobs to support himself, including a short stint at boxing. After working as a boxer, Elmer went on to pursue other forms of employment. He worked as a butcher, packing house worker, construction worker, and a machine operator and set up man at Kelsey Hayes, where he retired. For many years, Elmer spent every Saturday cutting all the neighborhood boys' hair for the affordable sum of twenty-five cents. He also raised pigeons, which refuse to leave, even after he set them free. Elmer was a Master Mason at the Masonic Lodge and had obtained the highest degree within the Eastern Stars. When he was not working, Elmer enjoyed glamping, fishing, and watching western movies.

Elmer left his family and traveled to Chicago where he met the Spirit of God, who told him, "Go home, go back to your family and get in church." Being obedient, he returned home and joined Rose of Sharon Baptist Church. Later, the family moved their membership to New Starlight Baptist Church. After visiting Pine Grove Baptist Church several times, he joined and became an active member under his most favorite and beloved pastor, Debirley Porter.

Elmer leaves to cherish his memory: two daughters, Phyllis Harris (Hayward) and Denice Hardaway (Freeman); two sons, Terry Payne and Yerret Payne; nine grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; seventeen great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

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