Lois Payne

Life's Reflections Lois Jones was born January 27, 1937 to Ruby Lee Thompson and Reverend Sylvester Jones in Ethelsville, AL. She was the youngest of two children. Both parents preceded her in death. During the early 1940's, Lois, along with her mother and brother Travis, moved to St. Louis, MO. She attended the St. Louis public schools, and graduated from Sumner High School in January 1954. After graduation, she enrolled in Stowe Teachers College to pursue her goal of becoming a teacher. On September 25, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Lee Mills, Jr., who was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Four sons were born to this union: Raoul (Ray), Derek, Theron, and Lee Anthony (Tony). Lee preceded her in death. Lois was employed as a case worker and case analyst with Missouri Division of Family Services for 91f2 years. In June 1970, she re-enrolled at Harris-Stowe Teachers College where she received a Bachelor's Degree and attained her goal as a teacher in June 1972. She obtained a Master's Degree from Webster University in July 1983. After 27 years of work with Special Education students, Lois retired in June 1999. Lois confessed her love for Christ at the early age of 8 years and was baptized at St. Luke Memorial Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a member until 1957. In 1958, she joined St. John A.M.E. Church, Reverend Thomas J. Burwell. Pastor. She moved to Elmwood Park in July 1966 and transferred her mem- bership to St. Luke A.M.E. Church under Rev. DeWitt Graham, and currently under Rev. Claudine E. Murphy. Lois met and subsequently married Edelbert "Dell" Payne August 13, 1967. While there were no children born to this union, Dell was a loving husband and a father to Ray, Derek, Theron, and Tony until his death March 1994. Through the years, Lois continued to show her love for Christ and the Church as a faithful and dedicated worker, serving as Sunday School Teacher; YPD Supervisor; member of the Chancel Choir; Steward and Trustee Boards; Church Secretary - Treasurer; Chairpersons for various programs - Church Anniversary, Wom- en's Day, Officers' Pew Rally; and Coordinator/Supervisor of Summer Recreation Program sponsored by County Housing Authority and Urban League. On June 14, 2013, God beckoned His faithful servant home. Lois leaves to cherish her memory: 4 sons, Ray, Derek, Theron (Darnett), and Tony (Chenique); 3 daughters, Gina (Clarence) Anthony, of Berkeley, MO, Sabrina Covington of Berkeley, MO, Terri Cavel of Indianapolis, IN; brothers, Travis Jones (Caron) and Willie Robertson; 22 grandchildren, 14 grandsons, 8 granddaugh- ters; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Ida Scott (deceased) and Virgie L. Jones of St. Louis, MO; the St. Luke Church family; a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends. Interment:Oak Grove CemeterySt. Louis, MO .