Emma Jane Payne

was born at home on the west side of Chicago on January 22, 1955, to Julieen (Lee) Williams. Emma, or "Nan" as she was sometimes called by family, was the oldest of seven children and was preceded in death by her mother, Julieen (Lee) Williams; one sister, Joann Lee-Bowens; two brothers, Albert Earl Lee, Jr., and Jessie Earl Lee; one daughter, LaTanya McCullough; and one son Samuel Robert McCullough. Emma was  educated in Chicago, Illinois where she attended William Penn and Julia Haste Hayes, Jr. High School on the west side. She also attended Sherwood Grammar School and Tilden High School on the south side. Emma gave her life to Christ at an early age. She loved God and always knew, no matter what, He was an ever-present force in her life that she could lean on even if she thought she couldn't lean on anyone else. Emma was united in holy matrimony for 37 years to John Calvin Payne, Jr. Two children were born to this union, Johnnetta Payne and John Calvin Payne, III. Emma served her community throughout her life, helping neighbors, family members and friends in need. She enjoyed her time as a parent volunteer at Carver Primary School and Block Club Captain for her neighborhood in Englewood. Emma had various jobs, including employment at the Ford Motor Company and Waste Management. She also worked as a cook in various restaurants including Wendy's on Clark Street and neighborhood restaurants in Englewood. She most enjoyed, however, her full-time job as a stay-at-home mom, grand momma, and great grand momma. Emma was creative. She entertained herself with arts and crafts and other hobbies, including paint-by-number pictures, yard work, making original vases, and decorating her kitchen with butterflies. She also enjoyed watching and recounting episodes of her favorite television shows. Emma was a prankster. She thought nothing of putting a fake rat on the shoulder of the couch to make you scream or jumping from behind corners to scare you day or night. She would laugh uncontrollably, describe how you screamed at the top of your lungs, then share the story at family gatherings, laughing uncontrollably all over again as if she had just scared you in that moment. Emma enjoyed many other things in life which gave her joy, such as watching and recounting episodes of Jerry Springer and Maury, eating crab legs and lobster at home or in restaurants, getting a steak hoagie from Taurus or glazed donuts from the Old Fashion Donut Shop, and playing on repeat her playlist of "Emma Songs." Emma departed this life on Tuesday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. Emma leaves to cherish her memory her husband, John Calvin Payne, Jr; three daughters, Cassandra Rosie (Dushun H. Mosley) Lee – Riverdale, IL, LaShanda Marie (Clyde F. Kennedy) McCullough – Chicago, IL, and Johnnetta Payne – Fort Wayne, IN; two sons, Frank (Leasha L. Lee) McCullough – Gary, IN, and John Calvin (Onequa Chavon Hawkins) Payne, III – Gary, IN; 23 grandchildren, Deiona Horns, FranTayja McCullough, Lakia Evett, Frank Johnson, Deniya Lee, Destinee Lee, Frankii Lee, Leasha T. Lee, Clyde Fitzpatrick Kennedy, Jr., LaTonya LaShaunte Kennedy, Candice Elaine Kennedy, Elijah Javonte Duprice Kennedy, Isis Leseana Young, Ja'Lee Asia Lanier, Ja'Iris Le'Adris Bontempo, Robert Lewis Price, III, Torrian Brian Long, Jordyn King Long, Imani Donna Marie Payne, Ke'Andre Calvin Washington, Jeremiah Calvin Payne, Jaylan Ernest Prince Payne, and Ocean Tavon Hawkins; 16 great grandchildren, Khamari Herron, Avery Smith, Jamariah Kennedy, Jeremiah Kennedy, Janiah Mason, Davariana Miller, Jakyiah Mason, Irvanna Gates, Saryah Johns, Syree Johns, Robert Taylor, Jr., Cali Carter, Kaydence Carter, Princess Serenity Williams, Eniylah LaShawna Kennedy, and Elijah Javonte Duprice Kennedy, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Family and friends may gather at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel 600 W Old Ridge Rd, Hobart on Friday, December 30, 2022, from 2:00-3:00 P.M.  Funeral service will follow Friday, December 30 2022, at 3:00 p.m. . Cremation will follow. (219)942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes .com