John A. Payne, 70, of Cleveland, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Born Nov. 14, 1952 in Franklin, Va., John was the son of the late Charles A. and Eleanor J Payne.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, David Payne (Marilyn); and stepmother, Evelyn Payne.
Survivors include his wife, Catherine H. Payne, of Cleveland; son, Christopher Payne (Amber), of Cleveland; five grandchildren, Alexander, Caden, Jonathan, Ashley and Aubrey; sister, Sheryl (Michael), of Christiansburg, Va.; step-brother, Tom Carr, of Franklin, Va.; nephews, Michael Spencer (Suzanne), Jason Spencer (Leslie), Benjamin Spencer (Makana) and Matthew Spencer (Meredith); and nieces, Patricia Payne Tsitsera (Chris), Jennifer Payne Britt (Roland) and Amy Spencer-Pleuss (Jimi). Many spiritual sons and daughters and extended family and friends also survive.
Given a testimony of miraculous healing in his early youth, John lived his life loving and serving the Lord, his family, his church and his community.
Gifted with an anointed voice, John began his singing ministry at his local church. He traveled professionally with the Southerners Quartet in his teenage years. A few years later, he joined the Tonesmen and traveled throughout North America. He performed many times on stage at the Grand Ole Opry alongside fellow Christian and celebrated Country music artists.
John married Catherine in 1976, and soon they began a traveling evangelistic and music ministry throughout North America. During that time period, their son was born. They moved to Bakersfield, Ca., and John obtained his ministry credentials within the Church of God of Prophecy. He and Catherine pastored for eight years. In addition to pastoring, John led the state ministries of Pastoral Care and Music Ministries in California. He initiated and developed state music conferences and camps that trained local ministers of music and other state ministries.
In 1993, John moved his family to Cleveland for Catherine to direct the COGOP International Women’s Ministries. They transitioned in 2012 to Global Missions’ Ministries. John administrated the work in the office and traveled with Catherine to more than 100 nations of the world, supporting regional and international ladies' retreats and leadership development conferences. As he worked predominately in the background, John became a master audio-visual technician and producer, setting a new bar of excellence in production for conference ministries within the Church of God of Prophecy globally. He was the longest-serving member of the Assembly Task Force, working with stage design and audio production. He retired from his work at the International Offices this past June after nearly 30 years. John was also a master upholstery designer, beautifying the homes and offices of many Cleveland families and professionals.
Words could never quantify the impact of John’s life. Anyone who knew him knows that is true. He looked for those who were often overlooked. He invested in others the love his Lord and Savior extended to him. He will be terribly missed by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends in Cleveland on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Ministry Training Center of the Church of God of Prophecy International Offices. A celebration of life will begin at noon, with Bishop Tim Coalter, Dr. Brian Sutton and Pastor Darren Schalk officiating. Arrangements are being made by Jim Rush Funeral Home.
On Sunday, Oct. 1, the family will receive friends in Austinville, Va. at Reese Funeral Home, 2214 Austinville Road, from 1-2 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., with Bishop Tim Coalter, Bishop Clayton Endecott and Pastor Darren Schalk officiating. Arrangements are being made by Reese Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at the King Family Cemetery at 2561 McGhee Road, Woodlawn, Va., just off Route 742 in Carroll County, Va.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John to One Child Fund or International Project Giving at Global Missions Ministries, Church of God of Prophecy International Offices, PO Box 2910, Cleveland, Tn. 37320-2910. Online donations or condolences may be extended to the family at globalmissions@cogop.org globalmissions@cogop.org>.
Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel has charge of the arrangements. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Payne family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.