Evelyn M. Cooper-Payne was among the honorees at the Annual Black History Program held February 15, in her hometown of Neptune, NJ.
She was born and raised in “The Star City of the South,” Roanoke, VA, one of ten children of the late John O. and Hattie L. Cooper. She received her formal education in the Roanoke City Public School System and graduated from Lucy Addison High School. Evelyn’s love for music led her to be actively involved in the Marching and Concert Bands from elementary through high school as a Majorette and Clarinet player. She received awards for All-State Band as the first chair player. She was also active in the community with the Girl Scouts, the Y-Teen Club and the Sun-Deb Club.
Evelyn was a member of Roanoke’s Jerusalem Baptist Church where she participated with the Sunday School, Youth Choir, Junior Missionary Circle and Vacation Bible School.
In June of 1963, Evelyn was united in Holy Matrimony to her “sweetheart“ John L. Payne, also of Roanoke. Shortly after their marriage, they relocated to New Jersey to begin their lives together where they found a home and settled in Neptune Township.
Later, the happy couple welcomed their three wonderful children: Collette Marie Payne-Jackson, Sherri Lynnette Hall and John Louis Payne, Jr.
While working and going to school at night, Evelyn was able to obtain her Associate of Arts degree. She was employed with the Neptune Township Board of Education holding positions as a Substitute Teacher and a Paraprofessional.
After several years, she became the Community Parent Liaison/Public Information Specialist for the Neptune Township School District. This job entailed; monthly meeting with parent groups, taking pictures of events and programs at each school, writing articles to three weekly local newspapers in the shore area namely: The Ocean Grove Times, The Coaster and The Shore View. These articles and photos highlighted the programs and activities taking place within and outside of the school and the community. Some of the activities to note were Homecoming, Neptune Day, Black History Programs, Memorial Day parades, classroom programs, PTA meetings and District Wide Advisory Council meetings.
Evelyn has served as PTA president for Summerfield School and was the first Black female president of the Monmouth County Council, She holds life memberships in the local, New Jersey State and the National PTA’s. Evelyn, always wanting to make a difference in education and truly has the children’s best interest at heart.
In her church, Evelyn is a member of The Mount Pisgah Baptist Temple in Asbury Park, NJ where Rev. Dr. Gary E. Brandon is pastor and she has been a faithful member for 56-years. She has served in many leadership capacities including: president of the Young Matrons Missionary Circle, Vacation Bible School director, church clerk (19 1/2 years), secretary to choirs, member of the Senior Missionary Ministry, advisor to Youth Activities, chairwoman of Women’s Day, church anniversary and other special committees and serves as chairwoman of the Deaconess Board.
In the state of New Jersey, she has served for eight years as the Administrative Assistant to the president of the General Baptist Convention, Chairperson of the State Convention Scholarship Ministry, director of Youth Activities and is a past president of the Young Matrons Auxiliary.
On the district level for the Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association of churches, she has served as Recording Secretary for the Parent Body for 15 years.
In Evelyn’s 56 years of living in the state of New Jersey and the town of Neptune, she has spread her wings to reach out to help others near and far to share the gifts that God has showered unto her.
Her motto: “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain!”
It is our prayer that her light will continue to shine bright, so that others will see the God in her. To God Be the Glory for the great things He has done and continues to do in Her Life!
