Annie Ruth Payne

Mrs. Annie Ruth Payne of Columbus, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, July 28, 2024. She was born December 3, 1940 in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Mr. Ulysses Harris, Sr. and Mrs. Hessie L. (Montgomery) Harris who she met at the pearly gates of Heaven. 

Mrs. Payne attended the public schools in Youngstown, Ohio as well as Choffin Career Center, where she received a certification in Computer Literacy. Mrs. Payne began working in 1969 for General Electric Lamp factory prior to its closure in 1985. She then held multiple positions in the food service industry after attending the Youngstown Skills Training Center where she was certified as a Salad Maker, Short Order Cook, Baker, Head Cook, Cashier, and Inventory Controller. Following that, she worked for the Youngstown Hospital Association as a Dietary Aide, and Mahoning Valley Association of Churches as a part-time Receptionist, and Oxford Dry Cleaners prior to her full retirement in 2004. 

Prior to leaving Youngstown, Ohio to seek better opportunities in Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Payne was a member of St. James Church of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Pastor Howard K. Wells. Once she relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 1998, she joined Meredith Temple Church of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Pastor Hezekiah Meredith. A few years later, she attended World Harvest Church until later on in life The Word Church of God In Christ with her youngest daughter. 

Mrs. Payne was always helping everyone and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a passionate basketball fan which she played as a youth, an avid fan of Western and Court TV shows, and had a love for gospel music, specifically Shirley Caesar. Everyone who knew her also knows she was a lover of Pepsi and Skittles. 

Mrs. Payne leaves to cherish her memories; one son, Keith Harris of Columbus, Ohio; and two daughters, Cheryl (Harry) Miller of Columbus, Ohio and Sheila Harris of Columbus, Ohio; one brother, Mr. Ulysses, Jr. (Coreen Lisa) Harris of Youngstown; her grandchildren, Courtney (Keinan) Stewart, Kodi Harris, Michael Grace Jr., Marcus Grace Sr., Shayla Grace, Chelsea Miller, and Cassie Miller as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including a niece, Erica Forney, whom she helped raise and loved dearly; and special sister-in-love, Mrs. Johnsie Harris. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; Mr. Ulysses Harris, Sr. and Mrs. Hessie L. (Montgomery) Harris; two brothers, Mr. Edward Harris and Mr. Joseph Harris; and one sister, Margaret McClain.

Visitation 11:30 AM and Funeral Service 12:30 PM Saturday, August 3, 2024 at The Word Church of God in Christ Church, 115 Wilson Ave. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.