Bonnie Ruth Payne

Bonnie Ruth Payne was born on January 28, 1943, in Eufaula, Alabama, to the late Robert Lee Smith and the late Connie Russaw (later known as Connie Witherspoon). She later migrated to Detroit, Michigan, where she devoted her early adult years to raising her four daughters before beginning a long career with General Motors, retiring in 1998.

As a woman of faith, Bonnie ensured that church remained central in her life and the lives of her children. She was an active member of several Baptist churches across Michigan, Alabama, and Ohio, serving faithfully in church ministries over the years.

In her later years, Bonnie lived in Mobile, Alabama, and later Dayton, Ohio, where she continued to lovingly help care for her grandchildren. She found joy in church activities, shopping, visiting the casino, and especially spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. Her grandchildren, Ron and Camille, held a particularly special place in her heart.

Bonnie leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Alleene Stanford of Tampa, Florida; Schornia McCracken (Silas) of Chandler, Arizona; Koretta Stanford of San Diego, California; and Jaton Brame (Michael) of Kettering, Ohio; her grandchildren, Ronald L. Coleman, III, and Camille R. Coleman; her brother, Isaiah Smith; and many loving relatives and friends.

Her life was marked by faith, perseverance, devotion, and love, while leaving a legacy that will continue for generations.

A Memorial Service will be held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary in Chandler, Arizona on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 pm.