Payton "PayDay" Payne

Payton Da’Jon Payne, affectionately known as “PayDay”, age 32, transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 18, 2024. She was born April 18, 1992, to the union of Ronald and Bonita Payne. 

Payton was a product of Columbus City Schools where she attended Eastmoor Academy. She had a love for dance and one of her greatest gifts was her beautiful smile. She was a natural born leader. Payton radiated with God's love and light. She was an active, devoted member of Family Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a Youth Usher Leader and community advocate. 

Payton frequently attended the Just For Today gatherings in the area. She not only showed immense courage and strength but also inspired others to strive for their own recovery and become better versions of themselves. Her journey and dedication made a lasting impact on those around her.

Payton enjoyed being the life of the party and led a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards others. She was deeply committed to caring for the elders of her community; not only helping them but listening and learning from their wisdom. On many occasions she could be found running errands with “Paw Paw”, Mr. Elliot. The time she spent with them left a lasting impact on her life and helped her grow in many beautiful ways. 

Payton is preceded in death by her father, Ronald Payne; grandmothers, Carolyn Warner and Cleo Payne; aunts, Freda Payne, Karen Payne-Thompson, and Brenda Murphy. 

She leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Bonita Warner-Payne; aunts, Donna Williams and Raynetta Warner; uncles, James, Richard, and Rodney Commodore; siblings, Paul and Paige Payne; special sister-cousin, Kalynn Vance-Warner; godmother, Leaya Murphy; godfather, Kenneth Bivins; goddaughters, Jaleah, Ivania, and Knourish; along with a host of cousins, special friends and others whose lives were greatly enriched by Payton’s presence. Although the loss of Payton leaves an everlasting hole in their lives, they take comfort in the enduring love and memories they had together.

PayDay unapologetically marched to the beat of her own drum and to know her was to love her.