Rev. Cleveland Payne's Obituary
Funeral services for Rev. Cleveland Payne, 81, of Lufkin will be held at 1 P.M., Friday, June 6, 2025, in the Woods Memorial Temlpe. Burial will follow in the Mt. Dana Cemetery in San Augustine, 1126 CR 140, in San Augustine.
THE HISTORY
Born to the late Otto Canton and Jessie Mae Bolton, Payne, on March 24, 1944. He married Ceclia Ann
Figaro-Payne and to this union were born three sons; Jonathan, Cleveland, Jr. and Jason. In 1991, Pastor Payne married his second wife, Carlee Bronson-Payne, and to this union came two sons, and three daughters: Carl, Donald, Marchelle, Rholynda and Donna.
Mr. Payne is preceded in death by: Carlee Payne; Two sons, Donald and Johnathan; Six Siblings, Georgia, Jennie, Curtis, Charles, James and Bobbie.
He leaves to cherish his memories: Four Siblings, Cleophis (Nettie) Canton, Mamie Canton, Shirley Green, Margie Canton; A host of grand and great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and special family. A special friend and Goddaughter.
THE CHURCH
*Accepted Christ at and earlier age.
*Later he was ordained in 1971.
*Installed as Pastor under the late Bishop R.E. Ranger.
was the member of The Holy Ghost Singing Group in the mid sixties.
was an Evangelist and ran countless Revivals throughout Deep East Texas.
+First Pastoral Installment 1979-2025, East Side COGIC, Lufkin, Texas.
*Additional Pastoral Installment Mid-2000 at Miller's Chapel COGIC, San Augustine, Texas.
+1-1is Musical Era was inspired by the late Superintendent Milton Horn.
*Appointment Assistant Superintendent of Texas Southeast Third Jurisdiction.
The Assignment Sermon Topics:
Pray your way out. Put off and put on.
Searching for Directions in Dark Times.
The Church is Different.
The Church Jesus Died for.
Songs for Inspiration- Christian Automobile. Instruments of Praise-Guitars and Singing.
Evangelist, Pastor, Superintendent, Faithful Man of God, Influential asset to the Body of Christ. Exceptional husband, Amazing father, Brilliant brother, Remarkable Pappa, Proud devoted friend and Baker/cook. He retired from the Railroad after 40 years as a Track Maintainer.
What’s your fondest memory of Cleveland?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cleveland?
Share a story where Cleveland's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cleveland you’ll never forget.
How did Cleveland make you smile?