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Obituary For Viola Payne
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.
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One of my favorite memories of Viola happened back when I was at Opelousas Senior High School with Sharvia. I was having one of those days—frustrated, overwhelmed, and feeling like no one was listening. My biology teacher refused to give me the grade I earned, claiming I turned in my paper late. But the day before, Viola had picked me up from school because I was so sick I could barely stand. She knew I had done the work. She knew the truth. And I knew exactly who to call.
So I snuck into the restroom—yes, I was bold—and I dialed her number. I didn't even get halfway through explaining before she said, "I'm on my way." And when I tell you it didn't take her ten minutes to get there, I'm not exaggerating. I heard her before I saw her. Her voice echoed down third hall like a warning bell. You could feel the energy shift. Viola had arrived.
They called me to the office, and there she was—standing tall, purse on her arm, eyes locked in. She looked at me and said, "I'll deal with you later." And baby, I knew what that meant. But I also knew I was safe. Because Momo Viola didn't play about me.
She walked into that office like she owned the building. She didn't raise her voice, but her presence did all the talking. She advocated for me, corrected the teacher, and made sure my grade reflected the truth. And then she took me home, fed me, and fussed at me for sneaking around—but all with love.
Viola did everything for me. My mom was working hard and going to school, and Viola stepped in without hesitation. She practically helped raise me. She was my safety net, my backup plan, my emergency contact, and my everyday hero. She didn't just show up—she showed out.
That day wasn't just about a grade. It was about knowing someone had my back. It was about love in action. And that's who Viola was—loud when she needed to be, soft when it mattered most, and always, always there.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
