Sylvan Athelbert Payne, affectionately known as "Pops" or "Daddy Payne," of Philadelphia, PA, formerly of Vauxhall, Christ Church, Barbados, passed away unexpectedly on November 24, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born September 20, 1939, to Marjorie Enid (Tiny) Chase, Sylvan attended St. David's Boys School before migrating to Philadelphia in 1975. He worked at Sears in the maintenance department and later at Inglis House as a Groundskeeper until his retirement in 2017.

He was the beloved partner of Mary Aikens; father of Andrew (DJ Payne), Jeannette, Anthony (DJ Tony Tone) and spouse Patricia Payne, Selvin, Ophneil (aka Ricky), Tyrone and Dana Payne, Judy Cox, and Derrick Grant; grandfather of Shinelle, Andrea, Andrew Jr., Allana, Leanne, Hiel, Zayden, Zyair, and Zavier; and great-grandfather of Gaia and Liam. He was preceded in death by his mother and brother Vincent (Leroy) Payne.

Ex-spouse of Yvonne Payne nee Bradshaw.

Pops shared a special bond with many close friends, including Veronica and Roseann Ashby and family, Dian, Marva, Delores, John and Kelly Edwards, Jackie Brummell, Ivy Thomas, Chris Bowen, Emmaus Mills, and Michael Rice of Boston, MA.

The funeral of the late Sylvan Athelbert Payne will be held at the Batchelor Brothers & Jones Funeral Services, 7112 North Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19126 on Monday, December 8, 2025. Relatives and Friends are asked to meet from 9:00am – 11:00am for the viewing and service from 11:00am – 12:30pm. The funeral will then proceed to the Northwoods Cemetery, 1501 Haines St, Philadelphia, PA 19126 (behind the funeral home) for the internment. Live Streaming available at Batchelor Brothers & Jones Funeral Services.

Wreaths and Flowers may be sent to Batchelor Brothers & Jones Funeral Services, 7112 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA19126.