Louise Francis Payne, age 101, peacefully transitioned from labor to reward early on the morning of May 29, 2017. 

Louise was born on June 14, 1915 in Mt. Airy, N.C. In 1962, she married Stanley Payne, who preceded her in death at the age of 98 in 2010. She was a graduate of Youngstown State University and worked as a Telephone Switchboard Communications Supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service. Louise was a member of Youngstown Chapter of the Nation Council of Negro Women, the IOTA PHI LAMDA Sorority and was a lifetime active member of St. Andrewes AME Church where she served in various offices over the years. 

Louise’s talents and friends were many.  She liked to play bridge, go bowling, and traveled to the Holy Land, Jerusalem, Africa, Hawaii, Alaska and more.  Even at 100 years of age, she visited with friends who were less able to get around. When she was able, she enjoyed volunteering, but Louise’s greatest love was serving and trusting the Lord. 

She would often say, “I’m proud that I had the good sense to go to church because it reminds me that the heavenly Father is still watching over me. It’s good to trust Him children.” 

Louise had no children, but is survived by a niece, Robenett Sagalkin of Kodiak, Ala.; nephew, Peyton Grey; sister-in-law Harriet Payne-Young of Detroit, Mich.;,and Jerusha Kelson of Phoenix Ariz.; and many other cousins, and friends.

The Celebration of Life and Services for Mother Louise Francis Payne will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at St. Andrewes AME Church beginning at 9:00 a.m. and will be officiated by her pastor, Dr. Brandon A. A. J. Davis. 

The family would like to express thanks for the wonderful care provided by Sunrise of Poland Assisted Living and Crossroads Hospice Care. Condolences may be sent to 835 Old Furnace Road Youngstown, Ohio 44511.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to L.E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.