Payne remembered as ‘woman of God’

Colleen Payne was remembered as someone who had a great love for the Lord, was a loving wife and always willing to give.

Her walk with Christ and the way she lived her life was an inspiration to others and it was this that many spoke about as they paid tribute and bid her a final farewell during the funeral service at Black Rock Seventh Day Adventist Church yesterday.

Payne, who worked for 36 years with the Child Care Board (CCB), died tragically when she was shot to death while using the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) at the Royal Bank of Canada’s University Drive branch.

Sharing three recent fond memories, her sister, Ella Nowell told the congregation, which included the Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Constituency Empowerment, Steven Blackett, CCB Chairman, Kenneth Knight and CCB Director, Joan Crawford of the close bond she shared with her sister.

She also shared how her “sister’s death has caused me to go through introspect, retrospection and reflection” as well as come to the decision that she will intensify her walk with God.

“I have used this death…to search my own life. I have concluded that for some time now that my desire was to get closer and higher in my Christian walk. That will become my main focus, to reach the level I believe my sister was and ...I will meet her again. So I will continue under God’s grace.”

Payne’s daughter, Shakelia Payne in her tribute also spoke about continuing her walk with God until one day she met her mother again in heaven. She additionally pointed out five individuals her mother embraced as her own children. She told the congregation it was through having these persons, who she referred to as her “siblings”, she did not feel alone at this time.

Meanwhile, in the eulogy, Payne’s niece, Keona Nowell shared the many ways Payne will be remembered by her relatives. She added that “as a Christian family, we chose not to replicate hate or ungodly anger” to those who were involved in taking her aunt’s life but left it in God’s hands, choosing rather to forgive.

In his sermonette, Pastor Dayle Haynes described the late Payne as a member of the congregation that could have been counted on and he stated he hoped her life would be an inspiration for all.

Through his message, he spoke about the blessing of legacy, assurance and hope in God. He reminded persons that how you react or respond to situations make a difference when you believe in God.(MG)