Kathleen Henry

Kathleen (Mary Elizabeth) Payne-Henry, age 105, of Columbus, OH. Sunrise, April 4, 1920 in Pigeon Creek, Alabama and Sunset, August 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late William Payne and Eva (Mathis) Payne both of Pigeon Creek, Alabama.

Kathleen graduated from East High School in 1938 and went on to fulfill a nursing career at Mt. Carmel Health System for 30 years. She was a devout Christian, prior Deaconess at Woodland Christian Church and became the Mother of the Church at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church where she committed to teaching the youth, God's word, faithfulness, and grace. She was a servant leader in her community while being a loyal member of the Inner City Lions Club, King Arts Complex, and Columbus Urban League. Her commitment and dedication in caring for anyone who needed prayer, assistance, mentorship, and love was recognized by her being awarded the most prestigious Lions Club, Melvin Jones award and Mayoral Community Leadership award by Mayor Micheal Coleman. Additionally, she was the caregiver matriarch for her immediate family. Kathleen really enjoyed traveling, cruising, and embracing other cultures along the way. Her favorite hobbies were sewing, reading, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends. Anyone who came in contact with Kathleen was always embraced with her infectious smile, laugh, warm hugs, great conversation, and giving of her time.

Kathleen is survived by her eldest son, Ervin M. Thomas Sr., daughter-in-love, Carolina Thomas, of Columbus, OH; daughter, Dian J. Thomas of Texas; granddaughter, Natalie M. Donnally, of Bexley, OH; sister, Betty Young, of Columbus, OH; special sister-in-love, June-Louise Payne, of Columbus, OH; grandchildren, Robin Glover, of Columbus, OH, Mark Glover, of Columbus, OH, Steven Glover, of Indianapolis, IN, Hassani OmariMohammad, of Puerto Rico; Jeffrey McElroy, of Columbus, OH; Ervin M. Thomas, Jr., of Fairborn, OH; Sonja Gamble, of Columbus, OH; Michelle Guthrie, of Columbus, OH, and Caroline Glover, of Columbus, OH; 16 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her youngest son, William N. Thomas (Billy) and 2 sisters and 3 brothers

A graveside service at Glen Rest Memorial Estate will be officiated by Marlan Gary Funeral Home Chapel of Peace and Reverend Raymond E. Doughty with Interment immediately following the service on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 11:00a.m. Repass will follow immediately after interment at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 1775 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43223. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.thechapelofpeace.com. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to Aenon Missionary Baptist Church, Ohio Lions Club, King Arts Complex, Columbus Urban League, or Otterbein Senior Life in Kathleen's honor and memory.