Michele Renee Payne

Michele Renee Payne was born on December 24, 1973 to Delores Ann Payne and the late Derrick White. She was a Christmas Eve baby and what a blessing! She was affectionately known as “Chele” to most or “Sugarfoot” as her grandmother, Marjorie, would call her.

She peacefully departed this life on August 23, 2024 in the comfort of her home after a long physical challenge.

She attended and graduated from Romeoville High School in 1991. She had a very special guest with her on that day; her only daughter, Dominique affectionately known as Pooka or Poochie. Her daughter was just three months old when Michele received her high school diploma and was present at her graduation. Michele was a loving, caring and family-oriented person. She enjoyed spending time with her grandmother, Irma, and was extremely close to her mother, Delores, prior to her heavenly departure. She was a Cash Processor at Garda/ United Armored Services for many years before she went into early retirement. She was also taking business college courses as well and took pride in her studies.

During her childhood, Michele also loved her visits to Dorchester Street because she would be able to be with her dad, grandparents, aunts, cousins and the dog, Dino. She spent a quantity of time with all the family. We are sure that her favorite times were their annual Halloween parties and trips downtown to have breakfast with Santa Clause. She was a big fan of Sesame Street, and she had her own Bert and Ernie pals. She had two special dolls, Buffy St. Marie and her cabbage patch doll. The Whites hold the memories through the years close in their hearts and believe that she felt the love and care they had for her.

Not only was she cherished in that way, but she was also blessed to be a first-time grandmother. She was overjoyed with spending time with her grandson, Ason. Her daughter and daughter-in-law would come over for family visits that included pizza, snacks, and laughs. Michele was there for her grandson from the very beginning and took pride in her Jellybean! She would always take pictures of the two of them and show him off to the world. Ason loved coming to grandma’s house to knock on her door, eat her snacks, steal her phone, and give her kisses. She will be his forever angel now.

Chele was also a makeup connoisseur and loved all things beauty! She always kept her hair short but would color it in different purples, blondes, and auburns. She was skilled at doing her own nails and bonded with her daughter over makeup tips and tricks. She was also a huge sports fan and loved the Cubbies! She dedicated a little corner nook in her home just for them. Her spirit was truly one of a kind and will undoubtedly be missed.

She was preceded in death by her father, Derrick White; her aunt, Sherry White; cousin, Quentin Locke; grandmother and grandfather, Marjorie and James White; great-grandmother, Pauletta Bankston; and grandfather, Willie Ferba “Papa Willie”.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: mom, Delores Payne; her only daughter, Dominique McKinney; her only grandson, Ason McKinney; daughter-in-law, Asante “Tay” McKinney; her only sister, Monique Payne; her grandmother, Irma Ferba; her brother, Maurice Payne; sister-in-law, Beth Payne; niece and nephew, Leah and Logan Payne; her brother, Derrick White; two nephews, Derrick and Deonte White; and an immeasurable amount of dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

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