Fannie Mae Payne Tinsley

Fannie Mae Payne Tinsley, age 70, of Lorain, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic after courageously fighting an illness. Born on December 15, 1954, Fannie was a lifelong resident of Lorain and a beloved presence in her community.

A devoted woman of God, Fannie was a former member of New Hope Baptist Church in Lorain, where her faith guided her life and shaped the love she poured into everyone around her. Throughout her life, Fannie worked diligently and took pride in all she accomplished, eventually retiring after many years of dedicated service. Her kindness, strong work ethic, and dependable spirit left a meaningful impact on all who knew her.

Fannie was known for her warm heart and generous soul. She enjoyed scratching lottery tickets, watching her favorite TV shows, and cherishing the simple joys of each day. She loved cooking—especially during the holidays—and her Christmas meals became treasured family traditions. Her kitchen was filled with love, comfort, and the unmistakable touch that only she could bring.

One of Fannie’s greatest joys in life was the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She knew each of them well, remembered all of their birthdays, and made every one of them feel uniquely loved. She also filled their lives with keepsakes of her voice—voicemails they will forever treasure, often beginning with her famous, loving line: “It’s your grandmother… pick up the phone.”

Fannie leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters, Kiana Lashelle Hicks and Thealita Renee Payne; 17 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Joe (Gloria) Payne, Louis (Audrey) Payne, Floyd (Ruth) Payne, James Merchant, and Renevia Payne, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many other loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maggie Mae Payne Taylor and George Payne; and siblings George Marie Wrice, Rose Lee Mitchell, George “Tonk” Payne III, Aaron “Herman” Thomas, Ernest Lee Payne, and John Henry Payne.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 noon at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home and Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Rd., Lorain, Ohio 44053. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain, Ohio.

Fannie’s loving heart, strong faith, and unforgettable presence will continue to live on in the memories of her family and all who were blessed to share in her life.