WARREN ALBERT PAYNE, JR.

At the blessed age of 72 years, The Illustrious Warren Albert Payne, Jr. Past National Southwest District Grand Master and Past Grand Master for the State of California International Free and Accepted Modern Masons, Incorporated, and The Order of The Eastern Star transitioned to Heaven on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Marrero, Louisiana, at Wynhoven Community Care Center. A native and resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, Warren was the beloved second child of the late Warren Albert Payne, Sr., and Dolores Ruffin Payne. He shared a full, loving life from childhood until the time of his passing with three siblings Gilda Marie Malarchar, Chester Carl Payne, Sr., and Harold Ruben Payne, Sr. Warren is the father of Melita ‘Kellie’ Payne and grandfather to her daughter, Kori Kellette Spencer. He was espoused to the former Gail Patrice Harris, with whom he raised her daughter, Keisha Germaine, and relished in the joy of their granddaughter Kei’Ari Jones. For 49 years, Warren enjoyed a distinguished and successful career as a professional automobile sales manager and salesperson. During his career, he worked for companies such as Buick, GMC, Honda, Ford, Toyota, and others which included Medical Transportation. He was a graduate of McDonough 35 Senior High School Class of 1970, was a 2-year Matriculating Student of Southern University at New Orleans and obtained numerous professional and civic organization certifications and licenses. He pursued becoming a minister of the Gospel while he was a member of Lily Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Oakland, California, where he led the Music and Youth Ministries. Spouse of Gail H. Payne. Loving father of Kellie Payne. Beloved grandfather of Kori Kellette Spencer and Kei’Ari Jones. Adoring son of Dolores Ruffin Payne and the late Warren Albert Payne, Sr. Grandson of the late Walter and Daisy Olivia Johnson Rose, Albert and Lula Payne, Wesley, Sr., and Olivia Landry Ruffin. Great grandson of the late Orelia Felo Johnson. Brother of Gilda Marie Malarchar (Kenneth, Sr.), Chester Carl Payne, Sr. (Veronica), Harold Ruben Payne, Sr., and the late Donald Newerls, Sr. Cousins and caregivers Kerrol Smith, Marketta Avist, Wanda Anderson, and Jessica Cain. Uncle of Kenneth Malarchar, Jr., Tracy Malarchar, Chester Carl Payne, Jr., Justin Warren, Brandon Warren, Ryne Payne, and Donald Newerls. Nephew of Laverne Rose, Wesley Ruffin, Jr., (Jolynn), Curtis Ruffin, Sr., Gladys R. Butler, John Ruffin (Angela), Marguerite R. Robinson, Linda R. Black, Merite R. Cain, and Otis Tonzo Ruffin, also survived by a host of other family members and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, pastors, officers, and members of Second Baptist Church, Asbury United Methodist Church, Second Nazarene Baptist Church, Christian Fellowship Cathedral, and other neighboring churches; the care teams of Wynhoven Community Care Center, West Jefferson Medical Center LCMC Health, Ochsner Health Westbank, HCA Houston Healthcare; McDonough 35 Senior High School Class of 1970; members of the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons, Incorporated, and The Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliate Masons and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated are invited to join Warren’s family in reflection and remembrance at Second Baptist Church, 2826 Sullen Place, New Orleans, LA on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:00a.m. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. until the time of service at the above named church. Interment: Resthaven Cemetery New Orleans, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook please go to davismortuaryservice.com.

FACE MASKS ARE RECOMMENDED.