Yvonne Marguerite Payne

Yvonne Marguerite Payne was born on April 24, 1948, in New York City, to the late James Pleasant Goldman and Jessie Brown Goldman. She was the eldest of two children and had a younger brother, Charles Goldman. Yvonne was educated in the New York City public school system and went on to graduate from Baruch College of the City University of New York. She studied business administration as an undergraduate and as a graduate earned her master's degree in reading science from NYU. While in college Yvonne was an active member in the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. As a young person, Yvonne gave her life to Christ during a Billy Graham crusade under Reverend Howard O. Jones.
Later in her early twenties, encouraged by a close friend, she became deeply committed to studying God's Word and growing through discipleship with the National Young Peoples Christian Association. These spiritual foundations shaped the course of her life and service.
In December 1975, Yvonne married LaRah Payne. United in faith and shared purpose, they served together in the National Young Peoples Christian Association, participating in the Christian drama guild and engaging in street evangelization throughout New York City. Yvonne's gifts shone brightly through her work with the drama guild, where she was recognized with a trophy for Best Actress.
In 1976 Yvonne and LaRah moved to Greenbelt Maryland, and she worked as a reading tutor at a university-based tutoring program in Washington, DC. Yvonne also loved to grow indoor plants in their apartment, showing early on she had a green thumb and a special way with nurturing plants to grow and thrive. When the Lord blessed the couple with children, they decided to home-school their children to instill in their children strong biblical values and christian character. She worked tirelessly to homeschool her children, planning lessons, organizing field trips, and keeping meticulous records.
When the family moved to Camp Springs, MD in 1990, Yvonne was able to expand her plants skills to gardening outdoors and spent time developing plantings around the property. Yvonne could often be seen with her garden hat and gloves digging in the dirt, planting flowers and tending them.
Throughout her life Yvonne continued to serve faithfully. She participated in various Bible studies, directed the Pioneer Youth ministry at the Evergreen Baptist Church, and warmly welcomed many into her home. Known for her hospitality, she was especially celebrated for her savory chili soup, strawberry Jell-O mold, and apple pie. Yvonne delighted in bringing people together, hosting large Fourth of July gatherings and the annual leaf retreat party.
A devoted woman of prayer, Yvonne was a strong prayer warrior who faithfully prayed with her prayer partner for 30 years and regularly attended Wednesday prayer meetings. Her steadfast faith, generous spirit, and enduring loveleft a lasting mark on all who knew her.
Yvonne leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband, Dr. LaRah Payne; her children, Jelani Payne,Ashia Payne, and Halima Payne; and a host of devoted relatives and friends.