Elizabeth Broughton

Elizabeth was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 6:27am. Elizabeth entered this earthly life on January 8, 1938 to the late John and Savannah Wilson, and was known to her siblings and parents as “Mildred.” She confessed a hope in Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized in the Sunflower River in Clarksdale, MS. Elizabeth united with The New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Clarksdale, MS, pastored by the late, Rev. M.G. Mayes. Elizabeth graduated from the Coahoma Agricultural High School and, as a young adult, moved with her husband, Jimmie Payne Sr. to Chicago, IL, where they raised their children on Burnham Avenue. Later, Elizabeth attended nursing school where she earned her LPN and worked for many years as a nurse in Chicago. Some of Elizabeth’s greatest work was as a community activist throughout her life. As a teenager, Elizabeth delivered magazines for the NAACP magazine, The Crisis, and, during her time living in Chicago, she ran a community group that protested for better school service in Black neighborhoods, making her an activist for Civil Rights in the United States. Elizabeth was proud to have been an organizer for the Jimmy Carter Campaign where she read her poetry at his campaign events and was invited to his Inauguration and Inauguration Balls in 1977. Elizabeth continued her political activism later in life and was particularly interested in advocating for the rights of seniors. She was elected the Dent County Silver-Haired Senator, a role she cherished greatly. Throughout her life Elizabeth was an advocate for a multitude of causes, traveling throughout the US, passionately standing up for issues that affected those she knew. Elizabeth was an avid writer and poet. Her works won her the Golden Poetry Award in 1988 and 1989 and have been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines. After retiring from the nursing profession, Elizabeth relocated to her second “happy place” and forever home, Salem, MO, where she was active in Full Gospel Ministries. She received her ministerial certificate in 2007 and has been inviting souls to know Jesus as their personal Savior ever since. Elizabeth was a devoted mother, loving sister, friend, AND a dedicated Christian. However, the Lord also led her to plenty of hobbies. Elizabeth was a skilled writer and close follower of professional and college football. She always recommended rooting for the underdog. Throughout her life, even until her last few years, her mind was sharp as a tack and no one could beat her at gin rummy and especially not at the bid whist table. Elizabeth loved puzzles, word searches, and, more than anything, rereading her Bible to see things in a new light. Those whose Elizabeth’s life touched recognized her genuine kindness and selfless love for others. She lived purposefully, loved earnestly, and served generously, all to glorify God and bring others closer to Jesus Christ. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmie Payne, Sr., her second husband, George Broughton, and her son, Christopher David Payne; eight brothers, Otis Wilson, Richard Wilson, Jerry Murray, Henry Thomas, Jr., John Wilson, Jeff Wilson, J.W. Thomas, John “Duke” Thomas, and one sister, Mary Louise Thomas. Elizabeth’s legacy lives on in her four children: Gwendolyn Payne - Roscoe, IL, Colette Mann - Wood Dale, IL, Jimmy Payne, Sr. (Daphne) - Chicago, IL, and Jerry Payne - Chicago, IL; four grandchildren – Christopher Denero Payne, Chaz Payne, Mix Mann, and Sydney Mann; and three great-grandchildren. Elizabeth is survived by three brothers: Dunn (Everdean) Wilson - Horn Lake, MS, and Clayton and Eddie Thomas - Memphis, TN; and six sisters: Ms. Myrtis Wilson - Memphis, TN, Ms. Carrie Wilson - Baton Rouge, LA, Mrs. Nancy (Julius) Wiliams - Milwaukee, WI, Mrs. Rosie Crawford - Memphis, TN, Mrs. Bernadine (Lonnie) McDonald- Columbia, SC, and Mrs. Henrietta (Jimmy) Clark, Clarksville, TN. Elizabeth will be missed by a host of wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, chosen family, and loving friends. Funeral Services for Elizabeth Mildred Broughton were held Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Salem Full Gospel Church with Dr. William Stack officiating. Dr. Dennis W. Atkins, Mrs. Sheri Stack, and Sydney Mann shared remembrances and several Resolutions were shared. Special Music was provided with songs “Blessed Assurance”, “I’ll Fly Away”, and “When the Saints Go Marching In”. Serving as Pallbearers were her loving family and dear friends. Burial was in the Stone Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Elizabeth Broughton

January 8, 1938 - December 10, 2023