Ernest Monté Payne, Sr.

Ernest Monté Payne, Sr. was born July 17, 1953 in Columbus, Ohio. A graduate of East High School, he attended True Church of Jesus Christ and retired from Cottman Transmissions where he worked as a mechanic. Ernest enjoyed repairing and rebuilding cars, fishing, and conversing with his neighbors and friends. He was blessed to survive a battle with cancer when, in 2011, the disease went into remission. On March 23, 2018, at the age of 64, Ernest passed away while at home in his Columbus residence. He was preceded in death by his mother Hattie Mae Motley Brown, father William Nelson Payne, Sr., and sister JoAnn Harris. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sharon Payne; daughters, Tamala Payne, Brandie Payne, and Sandreana Stirtmire, son Ernest Payne, Jr. (Jessica); dear niece Shamera (Jason) Lyles and grandson Casey Goodson, Jr., both of whom he raised as his own children; sisters, Candis L. Payne, Marie (Gary) Harris, and Eleanor McAfee; brother William N. Payne, Jr.; granddaughters, Lania, Kaylee, Janae, JáMyah, Destiny, Brianna, Sani, Jaiden, Zina, Arianna, Mia, Tianna, Rihanna, LeQuita, and Sabra; grandsons, Bredlen Jr., David, Darrius, Cameron, Malaki, Amare, Darryl Jr., and Pierre; great granddaughter Leiyah; brother-in-law Ulysses Simmons; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.