Mildred Ann Payne

On February 2, 1957, God delivered one of His most unique and precious creations into the arms of Rosie Lee Henry Jones and Edgar Jones. They named their beloved daughter Mildred Ann, though she was most commonly known as ‘Molly”. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Rosie Lee; her brother, Perry A. Jones and her husband, Earnest Jewel Payne.

Molly’s parents ensured she was involved in her local church, Harrison Chapel Baptist Church, which was the baseline for the affection she developed for Christ. Molly was always active and busied herself having served as the secretary at Harrison Chapel Baptist Church and as a member of the Antione Community Choir.

She grew up in Delight, Arkansas, and attended Delight High School. She was active in sports and played on the first string with the girls’ basketball team, and was a member of the FHA and the student council. Shortly after graduation in 1975, she continued her education at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.

Molly was a very loyal friend, never met a stranger, and always gave a helping hand. Most of all she loved her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, and singing the Blues with her favorite artist being, Betty Wright. She worked as a testing technician at Poulan Weedeater for 20 years.

Molly sustained a modest life while on dialysis for over 20 years. She managed her life for others to witness her determination to live. Her failing health led to subsequent moves around the state. Her dream was to eventually, come full circle and relocate back home to Delight. Of all of the incredible roles in her lifetime, Mollie made it clear that the best role she ever fulfilled was as a mother to her only child, Nika. She greeted life and its challenges with a style and grace all her own. In the 66th season of her life on Saturday, April 8, 2023, she quietly passed into the Lord’s embrace.

In addition to her daughter, Nika Rachelle Pigge she leaves four grandchildren, Taytiana Piggee, Taynisha Piggee, Destiny Piggee, and Shunn Piggee Jr.; six great-grandchildren, Wamonte Ware, Zhyair Easter, Christianna Easter, Ja'cee Ayers, Ja'Kari Ayers, and Jaxton Ayers; four sisters, Catherine Reed of Delight, AR; Sallie Williams of Delight, AR; Jeraldine Thomas of Mt. Morris, MI; Ruby Hennigan of Little Rock, AR; a special niece/sister, Linda Jones Brown of Little Rock, AR; close friends, Jim Wingfield, Cozetta Leeper, Sheba Johnson, Mary L. Snowden, and Connie Riley. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, several cousins, and countless friends.

Molly embodied the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman, and left a legacy of love.  She was one of the most faithful, consistent, one-of-a-kind, selfless souls to ever walk the face of this earth.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the funeral home. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in the chapel at Williams Funeral Home with Rev. Travell Green, officiating, and Rev. Richard Dixon, eulogist. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be may to Williams Funeral Home in memory of Molly.

**Limited Seating**