Barbara J. Payne

Barbara J. Payne, age 82, passed away on April 12, 2016 en route to St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville IN.

She was born on July 2, 1933 and educated in Drakesboro KY. She furthered her education in Nursing School in the state of Michigan. Barbara moved to Evansville IN where she united with Zion Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Dr. John Caldwell. She united with Memorial Baptist Church in Evansville IN under the pastorage of her late husband, Rev. William E. Payne, Jr. who preceded her in death on 10/16/2002. She served faithfully as a gifted gospel singer and an encourager of all whom she met. Her service extended to churches in Kentucky, Princeton IN, and those under the pastorage of Rev. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr. for over 23 years.

In addition to her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Wanda Shelton and her parents, Zora Shelton and LeRoy Browning.

Barbara is survived by her son, William E. Payne; daughters: Janice Reed and Phyllis Reed; a niece that she raised like a daughter, Monic Shelton; four grandchildren: Alphonso Shamell, Maurice Shamell, Renata Reed, Marlon Shamell; three great-grandchildren: Bryce Shamell, Mya Shamell, and Cooper Shamell and one due in June 2016; two brothers: Benny Shelton of Woodland TX and James Shelton of Danville KY; and two sisters: Joan Bonaparte of Mt. Pleasant SC and Faye Lewis of Louisville KY.

Services will be held Monday, April 18, 2016 at 11:00am at Memorial Baptist Church. Visitation will be Sunday from 6:00pm – 8:00pm also at the church. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mason Brothers Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.masonbrothersfuneralservices.com