Earnestine (Miller) Payne

Celebration of Life

Earnestine Payne

“...all is well…” - 2 Kings 4:26 “God got me!”

Earnestine Miller Payne was born in Shaw, Mississippi, on December 8, 1952 to the blessed parents of Lonnie Miller, Sr. and Birthia Mae Lewis-Miller. On May 3, 2024 Earnestine peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home to live with the Lord Jesus Christ. She was the first born child of eleven children. Her mother, father, and one sibling preceded her in death.

Earnestine received Jesus as her personal savior at an early age and continued to serve the Lord continuously in her daily life and love for others. She was a member of Bethlehem No.1 located in Shaw, Mississippi under the leadership of Pastor W. B. Brown. She later joined New St. James Missionary Baptist Church in 1975 until 2001 then under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Jackson. Earnestine joined New Life Church July 2001 under the leadership of Bishop Roderick Mitchell where she served as head of children’s church, a member of Women of Worship, and an intercessor faithfully. As a Minister she received her Bachelors and Masters credentials through the Exodus School of the Bible in 2000 & 2005 respectively.

Earnestine started her education in Shaw, Mississippi before transferring to the Cleveland School District where she later graduated from East Side High School class of 1972. She received her Bachelors in Education from Mississippi Valley State University in 1975. She was united in Holy matrimony to her devoted, loving husband James Payne, August 17, 1975, and to this union one beautiful daughter was born. She was employed with Bolivar County Head Start Program for twelve years and later taught in the Shaw School District for fourteen years at McEvans School. She retired from the school system in 2000.

Earnestine was known by some as “Stine” and affectionately known as “GG” by her only grandson Micah. Just like her mother she had an unconditional love for family, friends, neighbors, church family, and everyone that she came in contact with. She had a love for teaching that she shared not only in the school system and at church, but also with tutoring her great niece Paris Jones. She was known for her sweet potato and pecan pies by all that were blessed to enjoy. Earnestine had a loving and helpful spirit that led her to nurture and care for many even while she was challenged. 

Earnestine leaves to cherish her sweet memories: her husband James, her daughter Marian, grandson Micah, five brothers Lonnie (Debra) Miller, Jr., Lennie (Ellen) Miller both of Cleveland, Mississippi, LaSalle Miller, LeeRoy (Vernastine) Miller, and Karz Edward (Benita) Miller of Nashville, Tennessee; four sisters Gloria Miller, Lenora Ann (Fredrick) Banks of Cleveland, Mississippi, Lillie B. (Arthur) Dinkins, Kimbeley Denise (Rontae) Gordon of Nashville, Tennessee; an uncle Elijah Lewis of Cleveland, Mississippi; three aunts Lula White of Swansea, IL and Betty Jean Lewis and Pearline Thedford both of Bellville, IL, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, in loves, other relatives, friends and church family.