Renae Pryor

Renae Diane Pryor was born on April 23, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio to Charles E. Pryor and Patricia Ann McKarn. She departed this life, Sunday February 23, 2025.

Renae attended Columbus City Schools and graduated from Mifflin High School Class of 1976. She pursued her passion of being a hair stylist and graduated from Ohio State School of Cosmetology becoming a licensed Advanced Cosmetologist and Instructor in Cosmetology. She was the owner and CEO of R-Salon and the Cosmetology Instructor of the Career Tech Education Program at Focus North High School.

Renae accepted the Lord at a young age and was baptized at Shady Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop C.M. Davis. As a teenager she was very active in church serving on the Usher board, Junior deaconess, and as a Sunday School Teacher. She took great joy in contributing to various church fundraisers, including the annual King and Queen contest. Her faith journey was a central part of her life, and later, Renae rededicated her life to Christ and united with Cornerstone Pentecostal Church under the leadership of Bishop W.L. Butler. There she received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and was on fire for the Lord. She often stated, “I’m All in Now”. She served faithfully at CPC in various ministries and obtained her minister’s license. In March 2011, she was elevated and ordained as an Elder, a testament to her dedication to God’s work. Renae had a special relationship with Lady Butler and continued to serve her with care and devotion during her illness.

In 2014, after her brother-in-law and sister, Pastors Johnny and Roxanna Nolen, were led to begin their ministry, Renae united with New Life Family Christian Center. She served in ministry with teaching Bible Study, Head of Sunday school, Lord’s Supper and Baptism committees, Event Coordinator – especially celebrating Pastor and wife anniversary. Renae was a delegator and instrumental in joining the ministry with other ministries. Even in her final days – she was serving. In February 2025 she took on the role of armor bearer to First Lady Nolen.

Renae was a prayer warrior and a committed leader of the Prayer Line, offering encouragement and strength to others even in the midst of her own struggles. She never complained about the pain she may have been enduring; instead, her unwavering faith and positive spirit uplifted everyone around her. Many found solace in her presence, leaving her company feeling inspired, loved, and reassured of God’s grace. Her favorite scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - “Pray without ceasing”.

A woman of great passion, Renae’s love for people was evident in everything she did. No matter the challenges she faced—whether health-related or otherwise—she remained full of faith, often declaring, “These people are crazy—I’m going to live. I’m healed by His stripes.” Her steadfast faith was matched only by her determination to keep working, teaching, and praying for others. She was a giver in every sense of the word—if you had a need, and she had it, it was yours. Renae made everyone feel like family, a true reflection of her heart of service.

An accomplished entrepreneur, Renae was the proud owner and CEO of R-Salon, with her “scissor-happy fingers” meaning no matter what hair style or picture you showed her you were not going to end up with that style. She left an indelible mark on her community. She specialized in Pixie cuts, roller sets and let’s not forget those Jheri Curls. Her personal signature was 613 Blonde followed by her favorite phrase “oh shoot, who lookin cute”. In the 80s and 90s she ruled the hair industry, hosting and participating in many Hair Balls and Hair Wars. She was considered a Hair icon. She mentored, employed many young women who went on to open their own salons. Her work ethic was unmatched; she never stopped, always striving to make the world around her a better place. She was not your typical stylist; she had a deep love for the industry and purposed in her heart she was going to do this until her last days. She pushed and poured into so many.

She was recognized in the hair industry as a legend. Her accomplishments include but are not limited to: Owner and CEO of RSalon 40+ years, President of Ohio Association of Beauticians Chapter 4, Angel-in-You program for young girls at Afrocentric School, CTE Focus NHS, 2024 Honoree Focus on U-Hair Ball, and she was featured in the Focus Newsletter. Never wanting anyone to feel forgotten, she faithfully served the elderly at Summit Trace and juveniles at Mary Haven.

But above all, Renae’s (affectionately known as “Nana Bana”) greatest joy was her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who held her heart.

Renae is preceded in death by parents, Charles Pryor (Jackie), Patricia Ann Johns (Eugene), son, Brian M. Thompson, grandchild; Terrance. Siblings: Michael Pryor, Betty J. Black, Lilie Sorrel, sister-in-love-Gewon Johns. Grandparents: William Alfred McKarn, Robert and Earlene McKarn, Jessie Bell Jessie, Mary Lou Chaney, Robert E. Pryor and many beloved aunts and uncles.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Sons - Romareo Pryor, Michael (La Chell) Pryor, daughter Jayme (Aaron) Payton, bonus daughter: Kia Thompson. Siblings: Roxanna (Pastor Johnny) Nolen, Charles E. Pryor Jr., and Ivy Dench: special niece and nephews Jessica Renae (Mike), Johnny J Nolen Jr., and Anthony M. Nolen.

Twenty-three Grandchildren; one great-grandchild (on the way) and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other close relatives.

Renae will be deeply missed, but her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.