John R. Payne, Jr
Age:
68
Date of Death:
03/27/2025
Place of Death:
Whiting, NJ
Obituary
Surrounded by his family, John (Jay) Payne Jr. peacefully passed away at home from Alzheimer’s disease on March 27, 2025, at the age of 68. He was born on May 31, 1956 in Lakewood, NJ, to John and Nellie Payne. Jay was baptized in October 1971 and found immense joy in speaking about his God, Jehovah, within the community. He became a devoted husband when he married Maria, the love of his life, on May 7, 1977. At the age of 25, Jay was appointed as an elder and faithfully served the Browns Mills and Pemberton congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He took delight in conducting Watchtower studies and arranging preaching trips to seldom-worked territories.
Jay was known for his big smile and mild, friendly spirit, which made it easy for him to connect with others and put them at ease. He was hardworking, generous, and always willing to help. For almost 30 years, he owned and managed his landscaping business—humorously dubbed “Paynescaping”—employing various brothers and sisters over the years. He took pride in enhancing the grounds of Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls throughout the region and beyond.
Jay was an avid fan of the Jets, Mets, and Knicks (though he was happily married to an Eagles/Phillies fan for 47 years) and was a gifted player of many sports. As a result of his faith and international spiritual family, he had a host of loving friends. Despite his declining memory and energy, he remained gentle, grateful, and continued to express his love for Jehovah God and for others. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication.
Jay is survived by his wife, Maria Payne; daughters, Natalia Payne, Tatiana Payne, and Juliana Dorofy; son-in-law, Phillip Dorofy; sisters, Delores Payne and Gwen White; brothers, Alvin Payne, Reginald Payne, George Payne, and Eugene Payne; as well as his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, nephews, nieces, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.
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MEMORIAL PROGRAM
Opening Song: #124 Ever Loyal
Opening Prayer: Reginald Payne
Obituary Reading: Alvin Payne
Memorial Talk: Robert Kilpatrick
Interview: Delores Payne & Gwen White
Video Presentation
Closing Song: #8 Jehovah Is Our Refuge
Closing Prayer: Eugene Payne
Repast Prayer: George Payne
Memorial Service
Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2 p.m. EST at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses1115 W. Whitty Road, Toms River, NJ 08755
Gallery
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