Mrs. Sylvia Lavern Payne "Baby Sis" started her race of life on earth on November 25th, 1955. On February 1, 2021, she received the upward call of her Lord and savior, Who whispered "You have finished your race, Well done thou good and faithful servant, come and enter into my rest." She was the daughter of the late Richard and Nannie Preston. Sylvia was preceded in death by four brothers, Joe Lewis, John Richard, Manuel Preston, and William Earl. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Brenda Preston, Geneva Brown, Shirlene Hopson and Helen Johnson.

Sylvia was baptized early in life at Community Baptist church and grew to love the Lord with all her heart , mind and soul. She lived the life of her Savior's commandment of putting others before herself. In her young adult years She was a faithful member of Wrightsville Baptist Church and Slate Hill Baptist Church, where sung on both Gospel choirs and was mentor of the young progressive clubs under the Pastorate of Dr. Harold Preston. Later in life she matriculated to Garden Prayer # 7. Under the Pastorate of Bishop Shadrack Brown Jr. Sylvia was a faithful member who served on the Nurse Staff and sung on the Cathedral choir Sylvia also received the call of Deaconess as she continued to serve the Lord with all of her heart and increase her knowledge of the word by receiving a degree in Biblical Studies from Vision of Faith Bible College.

Sylvia Loved her family with unconditional loved. She had the gift of making everyone feel special when in her presence. She is survived by husband, Robert Payne Sr. of 32 years; two sons, Minister Timothy (Evangelist Tamala) Preston, Robert "Bob" (Sheree) Payne, Jr. ; one daughter, Vicky (Jerome Brown) Preston, 7 Grandchildren, Antonio "Ray" Preston, Te-Ashley Harris, Darryl "Tony" Taylor, DaMarion "Mari" Reed- Payne, Maurice (Aminah) Jordan, Sr. and Timothy Preston II; 2 Great-Grandchildren, MacKenzie Preston and Maurice "Tank" Jordan, Jr. three sisters, Ruby Gray, Gracie Crowder, and Deloise (Mark Campbell) Lewis, one brother Rev. Harold G. Preston, One Sister- in-Law, Lori (Herman Jr.) Johnson, One Brother-in-Law, Johnny (Brenda) Payne, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 1:00PM at Garden Of Prayer No. 7 Vision of Faith Ministries. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held in Williams Memorial Park.