Vernon Anthony “Bunt” Payne began his life adventure in Great Falls, Montana February 1, 1963. He was born to Arthur Payne Jr. and the late Brenda Marie Payne and enjoyed a close relationship with his siblings, Monica, Toby, Nikki, Rae, Aki, and Chad and his sibling cousins, David and Trisha. Vernon was educated in the Michigan City Public school system and graduated from Michigan City Elston in 1981.
Vernon was an outstanding basketball player, which earned him an Athletic scholarship to Bishop College in Texas. Vernon moved to Atlanta, Georgia in September 1984 and married Tracey Slater-Payne in 1985. Their union was blessed with three beautiful children, Anthony Slater, Brandi Denise, and Briana Nikol.
Vernon’s daring spirit afforded him the opportunity to live in Wisconsin, Texas and Indiana. His loving spirit, kind soul and fun-loving personality made him a stranger to no one. He had an infectious smile, and an energetic laugh that would fill the room.
Vernon was baptized in Jesus name in 2014 and was a regular attendee of Mt. Zion Apostolic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he served on the security and parking lot ministry. Vernon met Charmaine Youngblood Payne, February 2006.
They married on November 1, 2014 and resided in Indianapolis, Indian until Vernon’s premature death. Vernon will be remembered for his coiffed silver crown, his classic sense of style, his late night calls asking “What up doe? ” and his love for family and friends.
He shared a special bond with his baby sister Monica. He is preceded in death by his mother Brenda Payne, grandmother Audrey “Big Moma” Payne, Aunt Mae, and Uncle Lonnie. Family members who will honor and cherish his memory: Evangelist Charmaine Payne, Wife of Indianapolis, IN, Kyle Youngblood, Son of Michigan City, IN, Arthur Payne Jr., Father of Michigan City, IN, Tracey Slater-Payne, former wife, Anthony Payne, son, Brandi and Briana Payne daughters; Slater Marcel Payne, Grandson, all of Stone Mountain, GA; and Dorian Reed, Grandson; his Siblings, Monica Elyse Muhammed of Michigan City, IN, Toby Williams of Richmond, VA, Niki Williams of Michigan City, IN, Rae (Carmello) Isbell of Cordovo, TN, Chad Foster of Memphis, TN, Akinlabi Frazier of Philadelphia, PA, Brother Cousin the Rev.
David(Monica) Payne of Houston, TX; Sister Cousin, Trisha Thompson of Michigan City, IN, Nephews, Steven Anthony Payne of Michigan City, IN and Randall Brooks of Richmond, VA, one Uncle Vernon(Dorphine) Payne of Kalamazoo, MI; three Aunts, Minnie Phillips (Kerry), of Rochester, MI, Carol (Delbert) Harmon of Indianapolis, IN, Sharon Hilliard of Tempe, AZ and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Rest well Vernon Anthony, we love you and you will be missed!
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