Obituary of Ella Mae Payne

Ella Mae Robinson Payne was born in rural Burks County, Georgia to Rev. Benjamin Robinson and Mrs. Anne Drayton Robinson on April 5, 1937. Ella was the middle child with one older brother who proceeded her in death, Rev. Willie M. Drayton. When the late Rev. Robinson relocated his family to Philadelphia, Ella attended the Philadelphia School System. She attended and graduated from Murrell Dobbins Vocational Technical High School in 1955 where she was an honor student and a star athlete. Ella worked for Strawbridges & Clothiers for a brief period and later was employed at the Internal Revenue Services as a tax auditor, she retired after 29 years of service. Ella married the late Oscar W. Payne Sr. in 1956, and six children were born from this union. Her daughter Mrs. Virginia Anne Payne Rice, son Mr. Stacy Payne, and grandson John Ford Jr., preceded her in death. She was proud of the many accomplishments of her children, and they adored her. Ella was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was an active member of the Drayton Family Reunion. Ella accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age, was baptized, and attended the Friendly Baptist Church. She assisted her brother in a young ministry and attended the Mt. Calvery Baptist Church and on January 18, 1976, she joined the Mt Sinai Tabernacle Baptist Church. Ella gave tremendous service throughout the years on the Lester C. Smith Chorus, the Mass Choir, the Usher Ministry, the Prayer Band, and the Community Development Corporation. Ella was an entrusted member and church leader. She was appointed to the Board of Trustees on January 28, 1995, by the church membership, an appointment she held until her death. Ella was also appointed the Church Clerk, and the Church Financial Secretary. Ella loved to learn, believed education was the passport to the future, and she enjoyed music, especially Michael Jackson. Because of her love of music, her children had the opportunity to learn various instruments and pursue educational advancement. Although Ella lived a highly active lifestyle raising six children, up until her forties she found time for competitive volleyball, along with softball and bowling. Ella is survived by her beloved sons Mr. Oscar Payne Jr., Dr. Carlton Payne, Mr. Michael Payne, and Mr. David Payne, beloved sister: Ms. Theresa R. Robinson, daughterin- laws: Crystal, Vanessa and Carolyn Bolger Payne; seven grandchildren: Brandon, Phillip ( Kara), Aaron, Colby and Christopher (Asia), Jeremy Payne and Justin Ford (Taneesha); great grandchildren Shadiya Ford, Chanel Ford, Anthony Ford, Olive, Phoenix, Ocean, Pilgrim, Peyton, and Brashir; and three nieces, Dr. Shirlee Drayton-Brooks, Rev. Elecsta Drayton- Lyons, and Clarrissa Walker. She was also blessed with a host of beloved great nieces, nephews, as well as cousins, friends, and church family.