Esther L. Phillips' Obituary
Ms. Esther Lee Payne Phillips, a socialite to many, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023 in Muskegon, MI at the age of 69 years old. She was born on February 21, 1954 to McKinley and Annie (Brown) Payne Sr in Augusta, Arkansas. Esther’s family relocated to Muskegon, MI in 1965.
She was a longtime faithful member of Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church where she served as a devoted Missionary. Esther's long history of membership at Christ Temple included many jobs as an Usher Board Member, Nurse Board Member, Radio Choir Member and other various church committees. Outside of her devotion to the church Esther always had a great sense of adventure. Esther loved the thrill of roller coasters, daring the kids with challenges but even a quick thought of her longtime fear of snakes seemed to be the only thing that could only settle her upbeat self from excitement to absolute fear. Esther’s relationship with her family was nothing short of love, laughter and fun. Rather it was her day to day adventures with her sister Pearl, late night phone calls with her sister Patsy, or going for rides with her sister Cora. Esther would make her appearance wherever she decided to be, even if it was leaving twenty voicemails on her son's phone while he was working or showing up on her niece Kiera’s doorstep with fifteen bags, only to stay for two days. Most importantly, she valued spending time with all of her family. Esther was outgoing and enjoyed talking to others. Esther’s creativity allowed her to make beautiful jewelry, sew clothes, and create many other craft projects. Esther was a known person of all communities with a spirit that could only attract love. Esther will be remembered as a person you could only love.
Esther leaves behind her loving family and friends, including her sons, Jamaree Payne and his children, Ja’Miya Payne, Levi Harrison, and Jayoni Harrison and son Vernon Harris Jr. Her sisters, Cora Holt, Patsy Payne, Dorothy “Pearl” (Vernon) Harris, and Marilyn (Edger) Watson. Her brothers, Kemp (Kelly) Payne, Cleveland Payne, Bobby (Felicia) Payne, and Fletcher Payne. Special nieces and nephews, LeRoy, Calvin, Kiera, Bonnie, Kayshia, Vernon Jr, Cor’Asia, Monte Jr and Fletcher Jr and many other beloved nieces and nephews.
Esther was preceded in death by her siblings, Shirley Payne, McKinley Payne Jr, and Jerry Payne; her parents, McKinley and Annie Payne; grandparents, Dorsey and Cora Brown; and her nieces and nephews, Lionel, Shanell, and Jaquan.
A Wake will be held Thursday, June 1st from 4:00 – 7:00PM at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 2 at 11:00AM at Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church, 412 E. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49444 with Bishop Avery Burrell officiating. Burial at Mona View Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Esther?
What’s a lesson you learned from Esther?
Share a story where Esther's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Esther you’ll never forget.
How did Esther make you smile?
