Reverend Shirley Ann Payne (Echols), 81, of Evansville, IN, transitioned to be with the Lord on March 12, 2022.
Shirley was born on March 28, 1940, in Evansville, IN, to the late Reverend Tommy Lee Echols and Irene Thompkins Baldwin. An advocate for education, she attended the University of Evansville (then Evansville College) after graduating from Lincoln High School. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (1964) and Master of Art (1973) in Elementary Education and was a committed elementary school teacher for 32 years. She began her teaching career at Highland Elementary School after receiving her bachelor's degree and was the first full-time African American teacher at the school. She subsequently taught at Lincoln, Stockwell, and Plaza Park schools. She served as a school counselor in her final tenure at Stockwell and retired from teaching in 1994. It brought her great joy to see many of her descendants pursue and graduate from higher education.
Shirley was a "Drum Major for Jesus" for more than 70 years. She began her Christian journey at Independence Baptist Church as a child under the pastorage of Reverend M. H. Austin and First Lady Vera Austin. It was at Independence where she gained the foundation to her Christian faith. Shirley joined Memorial Baptist Church in 1959 under the pastorage of Reverend J.W. Hoover. She served in various leadership positions with the church and was ordained as a minister by Pastor Adrian M. Brooks, Sr. She remained a faithful member and was a trusted advisor and mentor to countless brothers and sisters in Christ.
In addition to teaching in the EVSC and Denver, CO school systems, Shirley traveled extensively, including to the Holy Lands and was re-baptized in the Jordan River. In her retirement, she also served as the Director of the Foster Grandparent Program in Evansville, which she enjoyed immensely. She was a community activist and received numerous accolades as a result of her selfless devotion to advancing humanity.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of more than 64 years and whom she lovingly referred to as her "Knight in Shining Armor", Warner V. Payne, Sr.; and her son, Warner V. Payne, Jr.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Faith Payne; son, William Payne (Evelyn); sisters, Laverne Arrington and Sandra Echols Woods; brothers Daryl Jefferson and Tyrone Echols; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Osborne Funeral Home has been entrusted with Shirley's final care. Visitation will be held at the Memorial Baptist Church on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 5-7p. A homegoing celebration will be held at the same location on Friday, March 18, 2022, at 11a. Face masks will be required at both.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Shirley's wonderful caretakers and Deaconess Hospice for the outstanding care they provided in the final season of her life.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley Ann Payne, please visit our flower store.
Shirley was born on March 28, 1940, in Evansville, IN, to the late Reverend Tommy Lee Echols and Irene Thompkins Baldwin. An advocate for education, she attended the University of Evansville (then Evansville College) after graduating from Lincoln High School. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (1964) and Master of Art (1973) in Elementary Education and was a committed elementary school teacher for 32 years. She began her teaching career at Highland Elementary School after receiving her bachelor's degree and was the first full-time African American teacher at the school. She subsequently taught at Lincoln, Stockwell, and Plaza Park schools. She served as a school counselor in her final tenure at Stockwell and retired from teaching in 1994. It brought her great joy to see many of her descendants pursue and graduate from higher education.
Shirley was a "Drum Major for Jesus" for more than 70 years. She began her Christian journey at Independence Baptist Church as a child under the pastorage of Reverend M. H. Austin and First Lady Vera Austin. It was at Independence where she gained the foundation to her Christian faith. Shirley joined Memorial Baptist Church in 1959 under the pastorage of Reverend J.W. Hoover. She served in various leadership positions with the church and was ordained as a minister by Pastor Adrian M. Brooks, Sr. She remained a faithful member and was a trusted advisor and mentor to countless brothers and sisters in Christ.
In addition to teaching in the EVSC and Denver, CO school systems, Shirley traveled extensively, including to the Holy Lands and was re-baptized in the Jordan River. In her retirement, she also served as the Director of the Foster Grandparent Program in Evansville, which she enjoyed immensely. She was a community activist and received numerous accolades as a result of her selfless devotion to advancing humanity.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of more than 64 years and whom she lovingly referred to as her "Knight in Shining Armor", Warner V. Payne, Sr.; and her son, Warner V. Payne, Jr.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Faith Payne; son, William Payne (Evelyn); sisters, Laverne Arrington and Sandra Echols Woods; brothers Daryl Jefferson and Tyrone Echols; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Osborne Funeral Home has been entrusted with Shirley's final care. Visitation will be held at the Memorial Baptist Church on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 5-7p. A homegoing celebration will be held at the same location on Friday, March 18, 2022, at 11a. Face masks will be required at both.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Shirley's wonderful caretakers and Deaconess Hospice for the outstanding care they provided in the final season of her life.
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