Diane P. Payton

DIANE PATRICIA PAYTON, was born on January 7, 1956 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Clifton Payton, Sr. and Ophelia Payton. On October 13, 2020, her soul ascended to heaven after complications from a brief illness.

Diane grew up in a very loving family that loved The Lord. She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at the St. Paul Community Baptist Church. Through the years, she would visit and always considered St. Paul her church home.

Diane received her education from Baltimore City Public Schools. After graduating from Northern High School, she attended Coppin State College where she obtained several college credits. Diane worked within administrative services at the East Baltimore Medical Center. She was also a childcare and eldercare provider, providing services to not only Shanelle, but Shanelle's friends, raising their children from infancy. She took care of them while they worked and partied on the weekends when no one else would. She also took care of her partner's parents, The Jackson's when they were very sick. Despite doing all of that, her proudest accomplishment was helping to support her daughter, Shanelle, raise her 2 grandchildren, Shaliyah (She-She) and George (K). She found joy in picking them up from school, feeding them, playing with them and helping them with homework. They loved being around her and she loved being around them. Diane's family was her world and she absolutely adored her only child, Shanelle. They were best friends and often talked, laughed an had many fun times together.     

Diane was a loving, kind, caring and thoughtful person. Whenever there was a need for help, she was there to assist. She was known as the family's "hair braider" because no one could braid hair like her. She could grab every inch of hair and neatly place it where it belonged. She was also known as the "ultimate cleaner" because on one could clean as good and fast as her. Her other hidden talents included painting and cooking. She was known for her fried chicken, salmon cakes, homemade mashed potatoes and corn. She had a brilliant mind and could solve the most complex crossword and sudoku puzzles.   

Diane will be remembered for many things including her love for life, fun, people and laughter .Her infectious laugh (especially when cutting up with her sister Cynthia aka (Chic) is one that cannot be forgotten. She was also the family's "spoon player" for the infamous Payton Birthday song. Diane was supportive of everyone and loved listening to stories about travel, work, adventures and life in general. Diane had a way of making everyone feel seen, special, appreciated and accomplished!

Preceding her in death was her father, Clifton Payton, Sr. and oldest sister, Anita J. Nelson.

She leaves to cherish her memories a devoted daughter, Shanelle Young (George Sr.), a beautiful granddaughter, Shaliyah Cooper-Bey, a handsome grandson, George Jr., a loving mother, Ophelia Payton, 3 siblings, Linda Parker, McKenzey, Cynthia Payton and Clifton Payton, Jr., (Christine). She also leaves 3 uncles, Lee Williams, Gary Payton (Shawna), and Charlie Wilkerson, 4 aunts, Jean Scott, Juanita Spruill, Rosa Williams and Felicia Gay (Ronnie). Diane also leaves 6 nieces, Denise (Sean), Lisa, Shanelle, Jenee', Tennille and Kierra; two nephews, Robert Jr. and Corey, 7 great nieces, Alysha, Marshe, Brianna, Natalya, Leah, Amyrah and Layla. She leaves her devoted partner, Michael Jackson Bey of 40 years as well as a host of cousins, neighbors and friends. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Diane P. Payton, please visit our floral store.