https://my.gather.app/remember/christine-payne

Christine Dickerson Byrd Payne (May 4, 1929 – February 16, 2025) was born in Cismont, VA, to the late Harry and Mary Dickerson. Raised in a home of faith and love, she was baptized early and remained a devoted member of Zion Hill Baptist Church throughout her life.

Christine attended St. John School and Albemarle Training School before marrying Isaiah Collin Byrd of Cobham, VA. Together, they built a life in Washington, D.C., raising four children: Alvin, Jeffrey, Deborah, and Irvin. After Isaiah's passing, she returned to Cismont to care for her parents and later married George W. Payne, Jr., whom she lovingly cared for until his passing.

Her faith and service to Zion Hill Baptist Church remained steadfast. She was active in the culinary ministry, served as a Deaconess for many years, and was honored as Deaconess Emeritus for her dedication. A woman of resilience and generosity, Christine opened her home and heart to many, embodying selfless love and care for family and community

Christine was a gifted cook, known for her legendary fried chicken, sweet potatoes, and pound cake, the latter featured in the Keswick Hunt Club's Clever as A Fox cookbook. She was also a talented seamstress, hairstylist, and retail expert, bringing warmth and skill to every endeavor. She had a sharp mind, enjoying puzzles and a competitive game of Bid Whist.

She was a pillar of strength, carrying the burdens of others and lifting them with kindness. Never seeking recognition, she exemplified Proverbs 31:31—her works spoke for her.

At 95, Christine peacefully transitioned to eternal rest, leaving behind a profound legacy. She is survived by her son Jeffrey (Myra) of Rockville, MD, sisters Jean Payne (Donnell) of Cobham, VA and Joyce Dickerson Price of Annandale, VA; grandchildren: Antoine Byrd of Temple Hills, MD, Sergeant Major (Ret) Keyana Washington of Washington, D.C., Olympia Byrd of Temple Hills, MD, Sekeithia Byrd of Fort Washington, MD, Domonique Byrd of Laurel, MD, Alisha Byrd of Temple Hills, MD, Dr. Morgan Byrd of Centerville, OH, Dr. Jeffrey Byrd of Richmond, VA, Drew Byrd of New York, NY, and Logan Byrd of Indianapolis, IN; sisters-in law, Betty Byrd of Crozet, VA and Gloria Byrd of Cobham, VA; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandsons; 2 bonus sons, Gregory Payne ( Judy) of Cobham, VA and Gary Terrance Payne of Harrisonburg, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Isaiah Byrd; second husband, George Payne; sons, Irvin and Alvin Byrd; daughter, Deborah Byrd; parents; brother, Lorenza Horace Dickerson; sister, Pauline Thompson Young; granddaughter, Keisha Bates; and bonus son, Glenn Payne.

Her love, wisdom, and unwavering spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched. While she is no longer with us in body, her spirit remains—a guiding light, forever cherished, forever missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2025 at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 802 Zion Hill Road, Keswick, VA. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM.

To the Byrd-Payne family, we at  D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.