Rose Mary Lucas Payne was born February 1, 1956 in Clarksville, TN. She accepted Christ at an early age, making Him the cornerstone of her life. Always forgiving and compassionate, Rose lived her life to the Father’s will. She received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her avid study of scripture encouraged her to become an author and poet. Publishing two books: Rapping to Salvation and Heaven is Only One Step Away for Us Black Folks. She was in the process of a writing a third book. Rose Mary genuinely wanted to help people who were stumbling in life and she did just that. She was a true matriarch. Her ultimate prayer for her children was that they should love one another as God loves us. Even when the odds seemed against her, she’d say, “The poor, meek, and humble shall inherit the Earth. So, keep on smiling, even when it hurts. Cause the whole human race is made from dirt and clay and every human being must return some day. Don’t let people fool you that God isn’t real. Don’t bet your life, as surely as you live!”
Rose Mary was preceded in death by her mother: Bob Ella Lucas; beloved aunt: Eula Mae Blair.
A loving mother, grandmother, and friend, Rose leaves to cherish her memories, children: Adrinne McGhee, Kenya Payne, Hollis Johnson, Jr., Donyel Johnson, Fredeidra Lucas, and Jileesha Duckworth; grandchildren: Darion Payne, Chri’Shyra Darnell, David Payne, Jaylyn Payne, Lucas Johnson, Jainae Clements, Ava Johnson, Dontrell Clements, Ayden Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Montavis Clements, and Sophia Pye; great grandchild: Melody Warren; siblings: Frank (Judy) Clardy, Charles Edward Lucas, Mae Ellen (Ray) Ferguson, Arthur J. Lucas. She also leaves behind a devoted host of nieces, nephews, and friends.