Clara Payne

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful transition of Clara Payne. She was born on March 26, 1942, in Tunica, Mississippi, and passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, in Racine, Wisconsin, surrounded by her loving family. Clara’s faith journey began at an early age when she accepted Jesus Christ.

Clara’s move to Chicago in 1961 signaled the beginning of an incredible journey filled with a love for blues and an exceptional sense of fashion. Her 25 years at St. Theresa Hospital in Waukegan, IL were defined by dedication and expertise, culminating in a well-earned retirement. Clara possessed numerous talents including hairstyling from a young age, an ability to transform any space or person on a budget, a love for travel, and a passion for gardening. She was also the go-to person for preparing delectable food and desserts for family gatherings, reunions, and weddings. Her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins always knew they could rely on her.

Clara’s enduring legacy of love and strength lives on through her children: Debbie Lang, Alonzo Payne, Toby Payne, and Michele (Jose) Macias. She is survived by her beloved sister, Katie Williams, and brother, Clyde Bell. Clara is also fondly remembered by her twelve grandchildren: Kazuwanna (Devon) Hamilton, Jaywanna Thomas, McClarney Bell, MaKayla Payne, JaDarious Johnson, Dominick Payne, Jaden Payne, Eric Payne, Nya Payne, Jerry (Ashanti) Mims, Keith Hodges, and Ayanna Hodges. Additionally, she is survived by twenty-one great-great-grandchildren, a very special friend, Claressa, a special niece, Gannice Davis, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and many others whom she loved and who loved her.

Clara is preceded in death by her husband, James Payne; her parents, Love and Anna Rose; four brothers WC, Willie, Love (B. Love), and George Sr. Bell; as well as four sisters, Ida Figgs, Margaret McGee, Mary (Mae Francis) Ward, and Geneva Brown. 

A visitation will be held Saturday July 6, 2024 at Congdon Funeral Home 3012 Sheridan Road Zion, Illinois 60099 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home.