Vera J Payne

Vera Jean Payne was born January 30, 1933, to the late Eliza Williamson and John Edward Winfrey. She received her education in Memphis Tennessee where she attended Manassas High School. Our parents roared about Manassas as if it was the greatest school created. After graduating she went on to receive a License Practical Nursing Degree.

In 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, the love that made her happy, David William Payne who preceded her death in (better known as 'DW'). God blessed them with three children in this union.

Vera and "DW" relocated to Cleveland, OH in 1953. Vera was employed as an LPN for Metropolitan Hospital night shift in Cleveland for many years. She later left nursing and was employed with General Electric Corporation so she could raise and enjoy her family during regular workdays and on weekends. Vera went back to nursing afterwards and worked for Veterans Hospital for the remainder of her work career.

Vera was involved in many social activities including playing bridge, bowling leagues, and spent time with the Memphis Club. She was so active playing bridge she belonged to a club with 10 or more women. This club traveled to different cities to play. Vera was a very good cook and enjoyed writing her recipe’s down to share with family and friends. She loved having a big holiday spread for the family where she would be up half the night cleaning chitterlings and finally her husband told her he did not want her to be cleaning those smelly things anymore, and that was the end of those chitterlings. She enjoyed playing golf with her husband and drinking her coffee in the mornings. Vera was a devoted and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and friend. She poured her love onto others.

Vera was involved in delivering meals to shut ins. After retiring she walked consistently with her neighbors.

Vera was an active member of her church; St. Henry later changed to Holy Spirit. She was faithful to the Catholic Religion. Vera will be dearly missed by all who know and cherish her.

Vera leaves to mourn two daughters, Cynthia Davette Payne, Ardith June (Zack) Lynch and five grandchildren; Crystal Nicole Payne, Amber Charisse Payne, Autumn Nichele (John) Paul, Jennifer Yvette Smith, Jacquelyn Chavone Smith, nine great grandchildren;

Tayshaun David Payne-Gibson, Christian Isaiah Green, Hunter Timothy Eugene Payne, Urban Lorenz Payne, Zoe Mackinzie Paul, Sabrina Eliza Paul, Porter Erwin Keith Porter, Adorah Joi Lord, Jaylen Amare Maxwell. Her half-brother from Memphis, Tennessee, Willie Bee Watson (Sheila), a former daughter-in-law Cynthia and many families and friends.