Cecelia Vinson-Payne

Cecelia Anne Vinson-Payne age 78, of Erie and formerly Arlington, VA passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Manchester Commons.

She was born in Sheffield, Alabama on May 14, 1943 a daughter of the late Richard S. and Pauline Lightfoot Vinson.

Cecelia worked for E-Systems for many years, was a secretary at the Cato Institute and was the secretary for the late Mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington. She also worked for the Ludeman Center, Cook County Legal Assistance and the US Coast Guard.

She was ordained Baptist Minister in September of 2011,  a member of the Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, VA, member of Operation Push from 1968-1975, PTA member from 1967-1972, Girl Scout Leader 1968-1972, Camp Fire Girls 1972-1974 and the former secretary of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.

Our beloved mom was very caring and never missed an opportunity to be there for others. Even when she wasn’t in good health, she still made it to plays, musicals, hospital visits and even funerals for the ones she loved. She spent so much time trying to encourage all of her friends and family. If she thought you were the underdog worth fighting for, she would fight for you. She believed there were always opportunities. She was ahead of her time in seeing potential situations. She had a strong faith in God. She was a driver and would drive anywhere to have something happen. She had her own style with hats and matching shoes.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Cesare H. Payne (Olivia); and two brothers, Arthur Stewart and Robert Vinson.  

She is survived by three daughters, Revita DeChalus (Roscoe), Tatia Payne-Swanson (Tom) and Kirsten Payne Brown (Kevin); a son, Ricky Payne (Gerri); grandchildren, Cordatra Payne Barkley (Eric), Jessica, Cassandra, Tyler and Victoria Swanson, Nicholas and Olivia Irvin, Cezanne (Trey) and Cierra Payne and Kevin Brown (Rachel); 6 great grandchildren Kharma, Jabari, Candace, Pharah, Trey and Kamilah; her ex-husband, Richard H. Payne; aunt, Earline Watts and a host of other family members and friends.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, 3801 W. 26^th Street on Monday, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m.

A service will also be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Arlington Baptist Church 714 S. Monroe St. Arlington, VA 22204 at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial in Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington.

Anyone that would like to send a financial donation towards Cecelia’s medical bills and funeral expenses can make donations in her name to Burton Funeral Home. An account has also been set up at Widget Financial 5553 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506 Acct # 136608.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com