Leotis A. Payne Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Bishop Leotis A. Payne, Pastor and Overseer of True Holiness Church of Jesus Christ, of the Apostolic Faith, Inc., departed this life on Monday, January 3, 2022, at University of Maryland Capitol Region Medical Center in Lanham, Maryland. On January 12, 1950, he became the first-born son to the union of Annie Lee (died March 20, 1967) and Phillip Payne (died June 16, 1996) in Helena, Arkansas. He had two brothers (Raymond Williams and Malcolm Payne), seven sisters (Quinella Mitchell and Vinella Payne both deceased; Molly Taylor, Arena Edwards, Dorothy, Patricia, and Latoria Payne); and his extended family; one brother (James Peters) and three sisters (Annie Washington, Reba Westley, and Rita Lonzo). He attended the Phillips County public school system, and at the age of fifteen, he joined the U.S. Job Corps in Hot Springs, Arkansas where he received his high school diploma while earning trades in Nursing and Food Production. He later worked as a LPN at Helena Hospital after completing Job Corps in 1968. Soon after, he moved to Washington, DC where he started his career in the food industry working at St. Elizabeth Hospital. His professional resume included such positions as Executive Chef at Georgetown University Hospital and DC General Hospitals, and later as Food Production Manager with Sodexo Marriott at DC General. In 2010, he retired and devoted his remaining days pastoring the True Holiness church and running his own restaurant, “Down Home Cooking”, until Mother Payne’s health started to fail. It was apparent that Bishop Payne had a calling on his life and that God would use him as one of his servants to be that example and lead others to Christ. He started preaching at the age of 6 where his siblings were the church members. On November 29, 1980, he married Mother Alease Payne, loving wife of forty-one years after only meeting her once through his sister. Adhering to the call of God on his life, Bishop Leotis A. Payne, humbly began True Holiness Church of Jesus Christ, of the Apostolic Faith, Inc., 1985, in West Helena, Arkansas. The initial services were held at the home of Evangelist and Sister Payne. After being a member of the Tried Stone Church of Christ, Bible Way since 1970 under the leadership of the late Bishop Henry Williams, where he was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost, Bishop Payne moved to his home town because he wanted his family to hear the baptism in Jesus Christ’s name and join the body of Christ. Prior to relocating back to Washington, DC, Evangelist Payne and his family traveled back and forth to Clarksdale, Mississippi, to fellowship with the headquarters church, True Bible Way, under the late Bishop F. M. Dawson. After bringing many souls to Christ, his work in Arkansas was completed. In 1993, the Lord moved upon Evangelist Payne. He moved back to the metropolitan area and True Holiness was reborn. By this time, he was now an ordained District Elder. As a result of many years of teaching the Word of God, True Holiness was blessed with a radio broadcast ministry in Natchez, Mississippi, Delaware and Salem, New Jersey. During his tenure as a member of Tried Stone and then True Bible Way, up to the appointed time of his own ministry, Bishop Payne held many positions in the body of Christ that would prove to be further preparation for his ultimate calling as a Pastor. Bishop Payne’s journey has been one of faith, faithfulness and dedication while serving diligently for the Lord; not knowing where the Lord was leading him, with very little, and a devoted family depending on him, Bishop Payne obeyed the voice of the Lord. On many occasions, God showed Himself and worked on his behalf. Bishop Payne served as an Usher, Deacon, Bible Teacher, Evangelist, District Elder, Lecturer and Speaker for churches and ministries in various states, towns, and cities. In April 1998, District Elder, Leotis Payne, was anointed and installed to the office of a Bishop. Bishop Leotis Payne has been saved since 1970 and has been preaching and calling many to Christ since 1983. Although small in number, Bishop believed that God will continue to smile upon True Holiness. Bishop Payne’s greatest desire for the people of God is to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” He leaves to cherish his memory; his devoted and loving wife, Mother Alease Payne, one daughter, Mary Barley (Timothy), two sons, Richard and Samuel Sr. Payne; nine grandchildren, Timara Slaughter (Reginald), Kimberly Mueck (Christopher), Jerrod, Janiah, and Josiah Clark, Samuel Jr., Samara, Sierra, and Langston Payne; two great grandchildren; Ryan and Isaiah; a hosts of nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as the members of True Holiness.

Tributes

Leotis A. Payne

January 12, 1950 - January 3, 2022