Anthony Bruce Payne's Obituary
Anthony Bruce Payne was born on December 28, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York to Ernest Edward Payne and Florence Elouise Holliman Payne. He was one of five children and a beloved brother to William Simmons, Edward Payne, and Alfred Payne, who preceded him in death, and to his cherished sister, Natalie Payne-Ellis.
Anthony met the love of his life, Sonia Maysonet Payne, when they were just fifteen years old. Their youthful romance blossomed into a beautiful and enduring love story that spanned more than fifty years. Married in 1975, they built a life together grounded in devotion, friendship, laughter, and unconditional love. Together they were blessed with two children, Priscilla Nicole Payne-Dicko and Brian Anthony Payne, who were the pride and joy of his life.
Anthony’s greatest treasure was his family, and nothing brought him more happiness than being a grandfather. He lovingly referred to himself as a millionaire because he had grandchildren. His seven beloved grandchildren—A'Jhana Imon Dicko, Devin Morgan Dicko, Tyler Jacob Dicko, Nacia Matalasi Payne, Nahlani Maysonet Payne, Nyla Monique Payne, and Syniah Nicole Dicko—were his heart, his pride, and his greatest blessing.
He is also survived by his beloved son in-law Hassan Bello Dicko, four brothers-in-law, nine sisters-in-law, twelve nephews, seventeen nieces, eighteen grand-nephews, twenty-four grand-nieces, three great-grand-nephews, and ten great-grand-nieces, along with countless extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Anthony was a man of honor, strength, and selfless service. He proudly served his country as a Navy corpsman, dedicated himself to teaching at the Chinese-American Planning Center, and later served for twenty years as a New York Transit Police Officer with the New York City Police Department. During his law enforcement career, he survived the tragic September 11 attacks. The lasting effects of that day, along with his determination to live life fully and on his own terms, contributed to his battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Anthony embraced life with joy, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit. He believed deeply in exposing his family to the world and made it a tradition to take annual vacations, teaching his children and grandchildren that the sky was the limit and that life offered possibilities far beyond the boundaries of their neighborhood.
He had a lifelong love of learning. As a child, he would spend hours reading the encyclopedia, eager to understand the world around him. As an adult, he continued to feed that curiosity by watching cooking shows on Food Network, always looking for new recipes and ideas to try.
Anthony found joy in music, especially the timeless sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire. He loved watching court television and often joked that Marilyn Milian of The People's Court was his girlfriend. He played basketball well into his 60s, but his greatest delight was sitting in the stands, proudly cheering on his grandchildren at games, dinners, and award ceremonies. No matter the occasion, he was always there.
Anthony was known for his sharp wit and candid honesty. His words could be as sharp as a knife, but they were always delivered with love and encouragement. He wanted the best for everyone he encountered and possessed a remarkable gift for seeing potential in others, even when they could not yet see it in themselves.
Anthony Bruce Payne passed away peacefully at home in Leesburg on April 28, 2026, at the age of 72 years young.
Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we are profoundly grateful for the life he lived and the love he gave so freely. We will miss his wisdom, his humor, his unwavering support, and the countless ways he made each of us feel seen, challenged, and deeply loved. His legacy lives on in his devoted wife, his children, his grandchildren, and in every life he touched.
Anthony was deeply loved, and he will be missed beyond measure.
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