Gloria D. Payne

But as God calls us one by one, the wheel will link again.

Upon such a promise, a great life is celebrated! On the afternoon of October 14, 2023, an Angel of the Lord came and sealed the lips of Sister Gloria Dean Payne. Her soul winged the flight of the day to a place of eternal rest.

Gloria was born October 17, 1949 to the union of the late James Henry Payne and late Ollie Davis Payne in Woodville, Mississippi. Reared by a devoted single mother, in a Christian home, Gloria was baptized in September 1959 by the late Reverend Allen Scott of Chapel Baptist Church in Woodville, Mississippi. During her early years, Baton Rouge, Louisiana became home and Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Harrison Dupre became her church home.

On June 4, 1967, Gloria joined Elm Grove Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend J.R. Williams. Gloria served as a member of the Pastor’s Aid Ministry, the Finance Ministry and Senior Adults Living Triumphantly (SALT) Ministry. Sister Payne’s final earthly days were spent surrounded by loving family members and friends.

Upon graduating from Capitol Senior High School in 1967, Gloria attended Southern University and A&M College, achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Teaching, as well as a Masters’ degree in the same field of study. Gloria helped shape the minds of many young people spanning her forty plus year career as an educator. She began her early years of service in the Acadia Parish Public School District in Rayne, Louisiana. After several years, Gloria secured a position in the East Baton Rouge Parish School District where she served until her retirement.

Gloria remained single and a devoted daughter to her loving mother, taking the utmost care of her during her later years. Because she was her mother’s only child, she was doted on by aunts and uncles and spent considerable time with cousins and her maternal grandparents. She was a devoted educator who enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Those who remain to cherish her beautiful memories include: two brothers, Willie (Linda) Payne, Charles Payne, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana one sister, Wanda (Dan Smith) Payne Smith of Houston, Texas, godchild Destiny Lewis of Chicago, Illinois, two aunts, Mary Mattire of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Chiarty Steptoe of Springfield, Missouri, five nieces, one nephew, loving cousins and friends.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, James Payne and Ollie Davis Payne; grandparents, Milton and Truelove Davis, Jessie and Maggie Payne; uncles, Henry Davis, Charlie Davis, Milton Davis, Jr., Benjamin Davis, Willie Davis and Walter Davis, William Payne Jr., Rosevelt Payne, Rev. Excel Payne, aunts Lottie James, Annie Gaines, Henrietta Dunbar, Laura Adams and Oletha James, Rachel Branch, Nonie Gaines, many uncle-in-laws, aunt-in-laws, and a host of cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Elm Grove Baptist Church, 1069 38th Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rabehorst.com