John Henry Payne

JOHN HENRY PAYNE, son of the late Mose Payne and Nellie Clara Price Payne, was born on March 1, 1916, in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life to be with the Lord on November19, 2001.John received his education in the Baltimore City Public Schools and was a graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. Before and after his graduation, John was employed at the New York Loan Office where he became proficient on matters of photography and camera equipment. As a result, he later became the owner and operator of John’s Camera and Record Shop on West North Ave.On August 29, 1938, he was joined in marriage to Mary Dinkins. When they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, he told their guest that he married her because she made the best mashed potatoes in Baltimore. On April 21, 1999, Mary went to help prepare a place for her husband in Heaven. They had been married 60 years. John joined the United States Navy in 1944, where he remained until 1946. His older children remember how for several years, verbal instructions to them were preceded with the expression, “Now hear this.” John always enjoyed music. During his young adult years he sang bass, in a group that patterned themselves after the Mills Brothers. His friendship with the members of this group has remained constant throughout their lives. John went to work for the Chesapeake and Potomac Back River Railroad at Bethlehem Steel. His personality and ability to resolve difficult situations quickly resulted in his being elected to positions in the union. His skills and effectiveness in this position afforded him the opportunity to travel, representing his peers, and ultimately led to a request to join the management team. As a result he retired from Bethlehem Steel as the Supervisor of Safety. After his retirement, John became active in several social and civic organizations. He also performed volunteer work in the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office, as a community liaison. In early years, John was baptized and became an active member in St. Pius Catholic Church. He later joined and became a committed member of the All Saints Catholic Church. During his active membership at All Saints, John is remembered as having been head usher for many years. He was also one of the founding members of the All Saints Men’s Club. As a major participant in the annual crab feast sponsored by the Men’s Club, John usually hosted the largest number of tables. At his demise, John was a 4th degree member of Charles Carroll of Carrollton Assembly. He was also a member and past Grand Knight of the Cardinal Shehan of Baltimore, Council No. 205. As a member of Council No. 204, he started the Tootsie Roll Program, for the handicapped for the Maryland State Council. Because of his compassion and ability to listen, John was often sought for advice on personal and business matters. He has always been known for his gentlemanly demeanor and courteous manner. Many have remarked that he is the last gentleman to “tip his hat,” even when he was not wearing one. Cherishing his memory are his children, John Payne Jr., daughters, Phyllis Jackson, Beverly Payne, and Angela Johnson; his sisters, Mamie Payne and Anna Payne; his aunt, Ethel Hill; grandchildren, Melvin Holmes, Patrick Little, Schelli Collins, Sean Payne and Stanley Collins; six great grandchildren, two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, five sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

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John Henry Payne

March 1, 1916 - November 19, 2001