TRIBUTE TO THE LA TE EULA PA YNE
WHEREAS, On January 4, 2014, the Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom called Eula Payne to her eternal journey; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Michael Chandler, Alderman of the 24th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Eula was born on June 2, 1919, in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Charles and Beattie Alexander. She was the baby of 15 children, of which 13 siblings preceded her in death; and
WHEREAS, Eula united in a perfect union with Calvin Payne, Sr., at age 22. Married for 50 years, they marked this occasion of commitment and devotion by renewing their vows on August 1,1991 in a ceremony lead by their grandson Rev. Myron Austin. God blessed their marriage with seven beautiful children; and
WHEREAS, Eula was a powerful God-fearing angel who accepted Christ in her life at a very young age. She joined St. James Baptist Church under her brother Rev. Charles Alexander's leadership. St. James Baptist Church was renamed St. Clair Missionary Baptist Church under another brother's leadership, the Rev. Clarence Alexander. While following the in familiar tradition of diligently serving God, she was president of the Usher Board and devoted many years to serving the Lord's call. She organized a Jr. Usher Board for her grandchildren and other children who were church members; and
WHEREAS, she later joined Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC) where Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright was Pastor. Eula was "pinned" at TUCC as an Elder and she wore her pin proudly as a badge of wisdom and insight. Her devotion to God and service to others was passed down to her son, Pastor Calvin Payne, Jr, and in 2008, she joined New Hope II Missionary Baptist Church under his leadership; and
WHEREAS, Eula was a loving mother, a business woman and a community activist. In addition to her duties as a mother, she and her husband Calvin operated Payne's Grocery Store for 47 years. She served as the community representative for the Law...
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