Alma R. Payne

ALMA ROSETTA PAYNE was called home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours on Wednesday, February 7, 2018; eighteen days before her birthday.  She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and her cousin, Earline Jackson.

Alma was born on February 25, 1942 to Bernie Byers and Ella Gray Miller in Mt Pleasant, North Carolina. During her teen years, she resided with her Uncle James and Sara Miller in Newport News, Virginia; where she was raised as one of their own, along with their children.

Alma graduated from Huntington High School in Newport News. She joined the First Baptist Church, where she was a faithful and active member.

After high school, Alma began employment with Patrick Henry Nursing and later with the Crescent Hotel as a waitress, where she met her future husband, Ronald Payne of the United States Navy. In 1965, they were united in Holy Matrimony. Their union was blessed with three children, Ronnie, Randi and Ricki. 

During the mid-1970s, they moved to San Diego, California, making it their permanent residence. They later moved to Meadowbrook Apartments, where she became a pillar of the community. Alma played an important part in the   Meadowbrook Ministry.  She assisted with the S.H:.A.R.E. Program, free lunch summer program, Friday night movies, and was a member of the Sister Connection.  

Alma's passion for guiding children, led her to Freeze Elementary School, where she began her career in the San Diego Unified School District. She treated every student as her own. She wanted every student that was sent to her office to succeed. She had no problem calling your home to speak with your parents, showing up when you least expect it, or reprimanding you on the spot to make sure you stayed on track, all in the name of love.  She retired in 2003 after more than twenty-four years of outstanding service.

Alma always stayed in contact with her family and friends, Her smile would light up a room, her laughter was contagious, her conversations were long, her hugs were comforting and she had the biggest heart one could ever have; always willing to help others in need,  "if she had it, you had it".

Alma was a member of New Jerusalem Community Church, where she became a Mother of the church, under the spiritual guidance of the late Reverend Thomas Maddox and Pastor Brooks. She later joined Good Shepard Baptist Church under the guidance of Pastor Gregory O. Morgan. Alma loved the Lord with all of her heart, and she knew He loved her too.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Ronald Payne Sr.;  three children: Ronald ”Ronnie”  Payne Jr., daughter Randi Payne-Hamilton (Michael); son, Ricki “Rick” Payne; grandchildren: Ashley Payne-Stallings, Anaya Wilson, Ricky “RJ” Payne Jr., Michael and Mykelle Hamilton;  great-grand daughter  Izara Trinity Seldon;   godsons, Jim Woodard and Shawn Bowen;  Siblings: Moses Streeter, Annie Streeter, Mary Streeter,  Dolly Streeter Ward, Joseph Streeter and Carolyn Streeter Jones; her cousins whom she was raised with, Earline Jackson, Deborah Miller, Arnold Miller, Andre and Tracy Bradshaw and a host of nieces nephews, cousins and friends.

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