Merline Coleman Payton departed this life on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Tulane Memorial Hospital. She was 89 years old and a native and lifelong resident of Sunrise, La.

Daughter of the late Harrison and Priscilla Albert Coleman. Wife of the late L.T. “Blue” Payton. Devoted Mother of Christine Payton and the late Hollis (late Naiomi) Payton, Russell (Pamela) Payton, Clinton (late Ruth) Payton and Perry Payton. Mother like figure to Bobbie Smith. Stepmother of Oliver Smith Jr. Sister of the late Milton (Late Antonette) Coleman, Royal (late Barbara) Coleman and Robert (Estelle) Coleman Sr. Deceased also survived by 15 grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at First Mt. Zion Baptist Church located at 32471 Hwy 23 Empire, LA at 11 AM. Visitation will begin at 9 AM. Dr. Reginald H. Burl Sr. officiating. Entombment will follow in Mt. Zion Memorial Park.

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