Minnie Lee Payne's Obituary
Minnie Lee Payne was born on May 5, 1936, in Woodville, Mississippi, to the
union of James and Alberta Taylor. She was the eldest of two children. Minnie
was preceded in death by both of her parents. In 1946, Minnie, her parents and
only sister (Mary Lee) moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Minnie completed her
primary and secondary education in St. Louis. In 1955, she graduated from
Kinloch High School. As a child, Minnie and her family were members at the
Secondary Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late
Reverend Paul Butler and Reverend Dr. Earl Miller.
In 1955, Minnie married Ernest Payne (preceded her in death). Shortly after
their marriage, they moved to San Diego, California. From their union they
had five children; Danny (preceded her in death), Trina, Mark, Patricia, and
Maurice. After many years of being a stay-at-home mother, Minnie began
working in the healthcare field. She initially provided care for elderly patients.
She last worked for Coram Healthcare, in the medical records field; she retired
in 2002. Minnie spent most of her life enjoying her many hobbies and
interests, including sewing for her children, crocheting, needlepoint, bowling
in multiple leagues alongside her children (Maurice, Trina, and Patricia) and
her sister Mary, going to bingo with Mary and whoever else wanted to tag
along, going to casinos, painting, walking around Chollas Lake, and donating
her crafts to many. She loved listening to Al Greene, Marvin Gaye and Teddy
Pendergrass, and dancing whenever she had the opportunity. She was also a
member of the Red Hats Society for many years. She was known for her
potato salad and banana tart, which were requested often.
Minnie was a long-time member of Mt. Erie Baptist Church, as well as her son
(Mark) and sister (Mary), under the leadership of Pastor Walter Wells. Her
early involvement at Mt. Erie was bowling on a team with Pastor Wells, her
son (Maurice), and the Pastor's son. She served on the hospitality, Christmas
and Bereavement committees and the Alter Guild, along with her sister Mary.
Minnie also visited her daughter and son-in-law's (Trina & Herman Florence)
church (St. Stephen's C.O.G.I.C.).
Minnie leaves to cherish her memory, four children: Trina (Herman) Florence,
Mark Payne, Patricia (Anthony) Palm, Maurice (Julia) Payne (all of San
Diego, CA), 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, sister, Mary (Houston)
Lee of San Diego, CA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Minnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Minnie?
Share a story where Minnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Minnie you’ll never forget.
How did Minnie make you smile?
