Carolyn Ann Payne

Sister Carolyn Ann Payne was born April 21, 1943, to the late Mr. Ira Richard Cockrill and Lillian Kittrell Cockrill. She went home with our heavenly father on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

She professed a hope in Christ and united with Scott’s Chapel AME Church at an early age.

She was a loving and devoted family member. Whenever we needed her, she was always there.

Carolyn was educated in the Nashville Davidson County Schools. She was a graduate of Haynes High School and continued her education at TSU where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

Carolyn was employed by Metro Public Schools for over 15 years. In her spare time, she loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She also loved shopping and playing games on Facebook.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Granville Payne, Jr. her parents, Richard and Lillian Cockrill, siblings, Bernice Cockrill, Nancy Cockrill, Paschal Cockrill, Judy Newell and son, Piasjowell Payne.

Those left to celebrate her loving memories are her devoted children, Randewll Payne, Tracey Payne, and Christie Payne, grandchildren, Marcus Carter, Jasmine Ellis, Darian Jones, Jayden Payne, Kaleb Jones, great grandchildren, Amir Khalfia and Dallas Jones, siblings, Ivy Lee Cockrill-Majors, Maxine (Raymond) Cockrill-Bradley, Linda Cockrill, aunt Ruth Kittrell-Bradley as well as many devoted cousins and a host of nieces, nephews and devoted friends.