God called home one of his angels on Monday, Jan. 11, 2016 at 5:45 a.m. Tempie Lee Payne Thomas was born Nov. 13, 1923 to the late Levi Payne Sr. and Ioda Stovall Payne. She was the only child born to this union. She accepted Christ at a young age at Sweet Home Baptist Church in Shongaloo.
Tempie married J. C. Thomas Jr. and to this union, seven children were born. Three of Tempie’s sons preceded her in death: Frank, Johnny, and Ray Dell Thomas. She also had two brothers and one sister that preceded her in death.
Tempie was self-employed owning her own business, Tempie’s Beauty Salon. She always encouraged her patrons to “look their best at all times.” In her daily activities, Tempie always opened her business and home to those who were less fortunate, whether it was a place “to sleep or eat.” She was willing to give her last to anyone; whether it was a hairdo or some money. If all those individuals would have paid her, she would be rich.
Tempie loved her husband and family dearly. She made many sacrifices both physically and spiritually.
Every Sunday, it was a requirement of her children to attend church. Tempie would do their hair and each weekend, she made the girls new dresses to wear.
Although Tempie did not receive a formal education, she ensured that all of her children learned life lessons to be respectable and to excel at all they endeavored. She was an active participant in her children’s and grandchildren’s educational development.
She leaves to cherish her memories four loving daughters: Bobbie George and Sandra (Robert) Talton, both of Baton Rouge, Betty Morris and Brenda Lathen, both of Minden; 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren; four brothers and three sisters; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan.16, 2016 at Mt. Calm Baptist Church in Minden.
Interment will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery in Minden. The family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Benevolent Funeral Home.