06/18/2024
Elease Carter Payden
Elease Carter Payden, 92, was born on December 3, 1931, in Allendale, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Curtis Carter, Sr., and the late Mrs. Sataro Googe Carter.
Elease, a graduate of Allendale High School, earned her bachelor's degree from South Carolina State University before embarking on a teaching career at Mary H. Wright Elementary School in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Her dedication to education led her to pursue a master’s degree in education, and she spent 30 years as an educator.
She was a devoted member of Happy Home Baptist Church in Allendale, she later became an active member at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC. Within her church community, Elease served diligently as an officer and member in various roles including, the Pastor’s Aid Ministry, December Birthday Club, and Pulpit Aid. She was deeply involved in the Senior and Women’s Choir and contributed to the Food Committee for Wednesday Night Bible Study for over 25 years. Beyond her church involvement, Elease dedicated over three decades to leading Girl Scout Troop #14 and found success as an Avon representative. She was also a valued member of the Summer Hill Community Club and Sympathy Club.
Known for her loving nature, Elease always encouraged others to excel, treating everyone with kindness and prioritizing her faith. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who know her.
She transitioned from her earthly journey to her heavenly home on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Welcoming her to eternal rest are her parents; and her husband, Willie Earl Payden, Sr., sisters, Corrie C. Gibbs, Mary C. Junior, Lillian C. Lawton and Sadie C. Hardin.
Elease leaves cherished and fond memories behind to: her daughter, Willease P. (Darrel) Maybin of Spartanburg, SC; her brother, Curtis (Sarah) Carter, Jr. of Fairfax, SC; sister-in-law, Betty Ann Payden of Spartanburg, SC; step-sons, Kenneth (Sandra) Woodruff of Spartanburg, SC, Timothy (Chris) Payden of Brooklyn, NY, and Willie (Tasha) Payden, Jr. of Atlanta, GA; step-daughters, Sharon E. Clarke of Greer, SC, Harriet Clarke of Columbia, SC, Laverne Payden and Joey Nicole Payden both of Atlanta, GA; 22 step-grandchildren; 18 step great-grandchildren; 4 step great-great grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and dear friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Galilee Baptist Church Cemetery, Allendale, South Carolina.
J.W. Woodward Funeral Home
