“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.”
Psalms 139:14
As an Art Gallery holds an Opening to display an Artist’s finished work, God debuted the beginning of what was to be one of His greatest works on February 8, 1946 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Floretta Bell and Rev. Nelson Paynes, Sr. They called the art piece Doris Marie Paynes.
More lines and form were made as she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age and was baptized by the late Reverend W. M. Pitcher and her father who served as Assistant Pastor at Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Lindsay, Louisiana. As an adult, she continued her religious journey at Belfair Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA, under the leadership of the late Reverend Alvin Francois. After relocating to Houston, Texas she united with New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Danny R. Hector, Sr. While searching, Doris found a new spiritual home at Greater Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of The Late Reverend Bennett J. Cortez, Sr. who was succeed by the current Pastor Rev. Bennett Tyrone Cortez.
At Greater Faith she “put her hands to the plow” in the service of the Lord. She served as a faithful, supportive congregant. A Church Leader, she was a member of the Board of Trustees, Superintendent of the Sunday School, President of the Pastor’s Aide (for both pastors), and the Ambassador for Breast Cancer Awareness. (The Church Family celebrated “Pretty in Pink” annually on the 3rd Sunday in October and honored her as a 2X Breast Cancer Survivor). Doris was also a member of the Church Education Committee, a Vacation Bible School Crafts Instructor, and a member of the Women’s Empowerment. She was always thinking of what she could do for her Church Family and her Pastor and represented a true, virtuous, Titus 2 woman to the young women.
A firm believer in the value of education, Doris was a product of the East Baton Rouge Parish attending Greenville Elementary, Scotlandville Jr. High, and Scotlandville Sr. High School. She graduated in the Class of 1963. The work on the canvas continued as Doris began to walk in her God given purpose and exercise her gifts. It was no surprise that her chosen vocation was to become a teacher. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Southern University (1967) and obtained her Master’s Degree from Prairie View University (1998). Doris began her teaching career at Waverly High School in Winnsboro, Louisiana. When she relocated to Houston, Texas she began teaching at Forest Brook High School as an English teacher in the North Forest Independent School District. After receiving her Master’s Degree in Counseling, she became the Senior Counselor in 1998. She also served as a sponsor of the Keywaynettes Girls Club. In 2005, she was reassigned to Fonwood Elementary School where she became the Lead Counselor until her retirement in 2013.
Doris dedicated her life to public education and her students for over forty years. She loved her students and made a positive impact on every life she touched. Her care for her students was not limited to the classroom experience. She was compassionate and concerned about their lives and in doing so became a confidant, place of refuge, and mentor for countless numbers of them. When her paths crossed with one of her former students they always remembered her as one of the best teachers they ever had and expressed their gratitude for the difference she made in their lives.
As being an Educator gave her definition, family colored her life and was the axis on which her world revolved. As the eldest sibling, it was her responsibility to keep everything (and everyone) in line and that she did. The Paynes sisters were notorious for their matching suits, hats, and accessories for special occasions. The brothers learned that it was just easier to say “yes” and keep it moving. Doris was a phenomenal mother to her three children whom she reared in the fear and admonition of God while allowing each to walk the path and purpose God had laid out for them. As a grandmother, she proudly shared the accomplishments of her grandchildren as she stood in the background encouraging them to do even greater things. Her love for her family was intentional and unconditional.
The life of Doris Marie Paynes Franklin Taylor was deeply rooted in her relationships—the strongest of which was with God--the center of her joy. With paintbrush in hand, the Master Painter placed one last stroke on the canvas that was Doris’ life and signed His finished work on Monday, October 19, 2020. The completed work—a masterpiece--has become priceless in the lives of her family, friends, and loved ones.
Her legacy of service to and love for others that is a focal point of this portrait of a life well lived will be forever in the memory and the hearts of her three loving, beautiful children to whom she devoted her life; William Tyrone Franklin, Jr. (Kim) Leesburg,VA; Yolvalda Nichelle Franklin (Alfred); and LaVeria Bernice Taylor (Wallace) both of Houston, TX: her siblings, Yolanda VanPurnell, Roy Paynes both of Houston, TX, Wilbert Paynes (Irma) Lithonia, GA, Wanda White (Leonard) Zachary, LA, and Lois Thierry (Darryl) Baton Rouge, LA; (five grandchildren: Justin and Jeremy, Leesburg, VA), Candice, Nicole, and Victor, Jr. Houston, TX; five Godchildren: Ondrea Richardson, Danielle and Eric Dickerson all of Baton Rouge, LA, Elaine Vidrine Robertson (Houston, TX) and Cumi Whitfield, Pine Hill,New Jersey; three family friends: Betty Mack, Ruth, Mayon and JosphineLollis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, co-workers, and friends.
Awating the Divine unveiling of the canvas were her mother and father, Floretta Bell and Rev. Nelson Paynes Sr.; her sister, Brenda Hayes; three brothers; Nelson, Jr., Felton Paynes, Moreal Tate and sister-in-law, Marie Paynes Wright.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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