Mrs. Runetta Hickman Payne, 87, of 7121 Ridge Rd. departed this world and entered her heavenly home on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at her home after a gradual decline in health. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family during the last days of her life. Runetta was employed by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for several years before retiring after 20 years of service. Runetta was a dedicated and proud member of Sacrifice of Praise Temple Inc., where she served in various positions, such as Pastor's Aide, Nurses Board, Deaconess Board, Hospitality Committee, and the Building and Maintenance Upkeeping Group.



Runetta was preceded in death by her husband Mr. Claude Payne; her parents Nomie Ester Hickman and Nancy Essie France Hickman; three sisters, Pauline (George) Clark, Melvirine Hickman, and Rev. Winnie (William) Speas; five brothers, Amos (Annie) Hickman, James (Marie) Hickman, William (Rosaline) Hickman, Nomie Evans Hickman, and Casonova Hickman; two children, Claude Terry Payne, and Jeffreylee Spencer Payne, and two grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her loving memories, three daughters, Bishop Nancetta(Chris Sr.) Myers and Araminta (Kit) Hood of Winston-Salem, NC, and Tammy Payne of Pfafftown, NC; four sons, Joye(Daisy) Payne of Winston-Salem, NC; Rex Payne of Tobaccoville, NC, Reco Payne of Raleigh, NC, and Marco (Evette) Payne of Pfafftown, NC; 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; three sisters, Vira (Norman) Speas and Audrey (Charles) Norwood of Tobaccoville, NC, and Rev. Catherine (Rockford) Penn of Bethania, NC; two brothers, Billy Ray (Margaret) Hickman of Winston-Salem, NC and Gary (Loretta) Hickman of Pinnacle, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends .A public viewing will be held Wednesday May 11, 2022, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Thursday May 12, 2022, at 1pm from Center Grove AME Zion Chruch and interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at 12pm at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services