OPELOUSAS – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Holy Ghost Parish Life Center in Opelousas, LA for Ms. Viola Payne, 79, who entered eternal rest on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette, LA. Interment will be in St. Leo the Great Catholic Church Cemetery in Leonville, LA.

Rev. Justin Arockiasamy, S.V.D., will be the celebrant at the Mass of Christian burial.

Ms. Payne’s memories are being cherished by: her three sons, James (Angela) Payne, John E. (Danielle) Payne and Christopher Payne, all of Opelousas, LA; five brothers, John (Mary) Robertson, Nelson (Mary Ann) Robertson, Joseph (Alice) Robertson and Alvin (Florance) Robertson, all of Opelousas, LA and James (Dawanya) Robertson of Houston, TX; one sister, Gail Landry (Murphy) of Opelousas, LA; four grandchildren, Shariva Payne (Dalbes), Jaimee’ Payne, Devin Durio and Jordan Durio; six great grandchildren; one Godson, Treyvis (Shema) Robertson of Opelousas, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by: her parents, John Oliver Robertson and Odelia Chenier Robertson; one daughter, Cynthia Payne; two grandsons, Cordera Payne and Kendol Payne; two brothers, August Robertson and Andrew “Mutt” Robertson; four sisters, Rita Marie Williams, Alzina Oakley, Nita Bellard and Mary Alexander; and a special daughter-in-law, Shirley Brown Payne.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Ford and Joseph Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA.

Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com

Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market St., Opelousas, LA, (337) 942-6750, is in charge of arrangements.