Henrietta Payne

Henrietta Payne, age 71, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the loving care of her husband and two children. Henrietta was born on April 13, 1954, in Kennett, Missouri, to the late Robert Cobb Peel, Sr. and Pauline Strong Peel. She was the sixth of sixteen siblings and the second eldest daughter. From an early age, Henrietta’s spirited and determined nature shone through as she helped care for her younger siblings. When not keeping her brothers and sisters in line, she enjoyed playing softball and attending church. Henrietta attended North Pemiscott High School in Wardell, Missouri, until age 17. Before completing her diploma, she married her first love, Tommie Lee Payne, on June 19, 1972. Their union was blessed with two children, Tony and Melanie. Throughout her life, Henrietta and her family lived in several states—including Minnesota, California, Colorado, Arkansas, and Missouri—before ultimately settling in Minnesota to be near family during retirement. Henrietta’s intelligence, determination, and resilience were evident in her professional journey. Despite not having a high school diploma initially, she earned her certification as an electrical technician and worked at Honeywell in Minnesota for four years before relocating to California. She later joined Rockwell International, where she contributed to aerospace, defense, and commercial electronics for eight years, assembling components for the Apollo Space Shuttle and the B-1 Lancer bomber. At age 50, Henrietta returned to school to earn her high school diploma, exemplifying her lifelong commitment to growth. She managed a Super America store for five years before moving back to Missouri to care for her mother. Later, she obtained her commercial driver’s license and teamed up with her husband to drive semi-trailer trucks across the country for three years—a true partnership reminiscent of “Bonnie and Clyde.” Henrietta eventually tired of being on the road and settled as a school bus driver before retiring. She spent retirement spoiling her best friend and husband of 53 years. Henrietta was a fighter—living and loving deeply, boldly, and passionately. Her legacy is one of strength, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to family. Henrietta is survived by her husband, Tommie; her children, Tony (Maria) Payne and Melanie (Charles) Rucker; her grandchildren, Tony Payne Jr., Tajreed (Ebony) Rich Jr., and Brittany Payne; and her great-grandchildren, Tony III, Tre (Tajreed III), Armani, and DJ. She is also survived by five brothers—Robert Peel Jr., Leon “Jackie” Peel, Bobby Peel, Clifford Peel, and James Peel—and four sisters: Pauletta Jones, Trinita Williams, Bessie Roland, and Glenda Smith. Her memory will be cherished by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Henrietta was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Pauline Peel, and siblings Jerry Peel, Charles Peel, Homer Peel, Elizabeth Peel, Gladys Jennings, and Jo Ann Peel-Williams. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 Order of Service Musical Prelude…………………...I Love the Lord by Whitney Houston Processional………………………. Bishop David E. Johnson & Family Opening Prayer…………………… …………Bishop David E. Johnson Scripture Readings Old Testament…………………………………………. Trinita Williams New Testament……………………………………. Sherry Peel-Sanders Musical Selection…………………....Precious Lord by Mahalia Jackson Obituary Reading………………………………...Deanna Reed-Williams Poem……………………………………………...Brittany Walker-Payne Remarks…………...………………………… (Please limit to 2 minutes) Photo Tribute………………………Don’t Cry for Me by CeCe Winans Eulogy………………………………………. Bishop David E. Johnson Benediction…………………………………Bishop David E. Johnson Recessional……………………Going up Yonder by Tramaine Hawkins

Henrietta Payne

April 13, 1954 - February 12, 2026