Bertha Payne

Mrs. Bertha Payne transitioned from this life on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the age of 91 blessed years. She was born on September 10, 1934, in Sunflower, Mississippi to Helen Williams and Buster (Maggie) Johnson.

With roots in Saginaw, Michigan dating back to the 1960s, Bertha built a life filled with purpose, meeting her soulmate Leon Payne along the way. Her three-decade tenure at Saginaw General Hospital showcased her dedication and compassion, earning her a well-deserved retirement. Through it all, her unwavering faith, nurtured within the Truevine Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Paul E. Broaddus's guidance, remained a constant source of strength and inspiration.

Bertha's life was a testament to the transformative power of love, kindness, and dedication, inspiring her family and community through her generosity, strength, and unwavering faith, while finding profound joy in simple pleasures like bowling, traveling, cooking, gardening, and showering her loved ones with affection.

Mother Payne is survived by her loving husband, Leon Payne, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage; loving children, Kelvin Payne, Pamela Payne, and Temeco (Todd) Riggins; grandchildren, Kayla Bentley, Jimmie Bentley, Ciara Payne, Marquice Payne, Nickolas Haley, Dexter Payne, and Robbye Payne; great-grandchildren Karter Johnson, Marcus Bibbs, Messiah Bibbs, De'Sire Conway, and Edd Roberson; sisters Barbara Conner, Bonnie Price, and Sherry Price-Greer; sisters-in-law Doris Price, Shirlyn Price, and Bobbie Price; special friends Ruth Cotton, Patrica Scott-Mason, Charlene Robinson, and the Simpson Family; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were dearly loved by her.

Mother Payne was preceded in death by her parents; son, James Johnson, daughter, Norma Rockett; granddaughter, Dana Roberson; All seven brothers, Lovey Johnson, LC Williams, James Price, Artie Price, Pollard Price, Alonzo Price and Earl Price; two sisters, Helen Price and Dorothy Wright; godson, Brian Currin. 

Bertha's presence enriched the lives of all who knew her, leaving a legacy of stories, laughter, and wisdom that will continue to inspire her loved ones for generations to come.

The family extends sincere gratitude to Heartland Hospice, Pastor Benjamin Smith, Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, Pastor Paul E. Broaddus and the Truevine Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Lafayette Simpson and the Bethlehem Baptist Church, and Pastors Taurus (Darlene) Simpson and the Daniels Den Ministries.