John Henry Payne Sr

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Henry Payne Sr, who left us on January 6, 2025, at the age of 62. 

John was born on February 7, 1962, in Lorain, Ohio, to Maggie Mae Payne Taylor and George Payne. From a young age, he demonstrated a creative and advanced mind, excelling in drawing and graduating early from Admiral King High School at 16, ranking at the top of his class in 1979. In his later years, John worked as a food service associate at Hawthorne Elementary School and pursued nursing school. He was known for his diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit, owning both a thrift store and a gym.  

John had a deep appreciation for good music and loved spending quality time with family and friends. He enjoyed eating, hosting picnics, and attending concerts and casino outings. He was also a passionate cyclist and boxer and loved playing basketball and racing with his grandkids and nephews. John was an avid collector of diverse treasures. He had a special fondness for collecting cars. He will be remembered as the life of the party, always brightening the room with his stylish attire, infectious laughter, humorous dance moves, witty jokes, and radiant smile.  

John will be sadly missed and cherished by his children, Maurice “JP” (Angela) Payne, John “PJ” Payne Jr., Ashley (James) Branson, Hilary Payne, Jasmine Payne, Jontay Lane, D’Ajanae (Tyler) Cruz, and Christiaan McLin-Cole; his siblings, Joe (Gloria) Payne, Louis (Audrey) Payne, Floyd (Ruth) Payne, James Merchant, Renevia Payne, and Fannie Mae Payne; seventeen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maggie Mae Payne Taylor and George Payne, and his siblings Georgia Marie Wrice, Rosa Lee Mitchell, George “Tonk” Payne III, Aaron “Herman” Thomas, and Ernest Lee Payne.   

John was a source of inspiration to everyone and created a lasting legacy of cherished memories and laughter.  

Visitation will be held Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. at Living Word Church 2002 E. 28th St., Lorain Ohio 44055, where the pastor, Elder Ray Robinson Jr, will officiate. The burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.