Ouachita County Louisiana Archives Obituaries.....PAYNE, SAVANNAH NOELLE November 4, 2016 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: GINA BROWN rootsgirl36@gmail.com December 23, 2016, 1:18 am News Star World - November 08, 2016 SAVANNAH NOELLE PAYNE A celebration of the life of Savannah Noelle Payne, age 21, will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Ruston with Rev. Josh Sanderson and Rev. Clayton Poland officiating. Burial will follow in Choudrant Memorial Cemetery in Choudrant under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston. Savannah was born February 20, 1995 in West Monroe, LA. She was a proud graduate of Ruston High School in 2013, after attending Lincoln Center Preschool, Hillcrest Elementary, and A. E. Phillips Laboratory School. After graduation she enrolled at University of Louisiana at Monroe, where she was a senior majoring in speech/language pathology. Her extra-curricular activities included Cheerleading for 6 years (7th grade through 12th grade); playing basketball during middle school, playing soccer with the local parks and recreation while in preschool and elementary; participating in ballet, tap, and jazz dance, where she attended various camps including theater, space, and art camps. Savannah loved going on Mission trip to Vermont and was active in First Baptist Church youth ministry. Savannah's work experiences included working at the First Baptist Church day care, and at a local cheer gym working with young children in Ruston and Greenwell Springs, LA. She worked at Café Phoenicia as a waitress and hostess and in Monroe, she worked at ULM at the Residential Life Office, as well as a Resident Assistant (RA) her sophomore and junior years; and a Hall Director her senior year. Savannah is survived by a very close network of family and friends including her parents: Tim and Stephanie Frantom Payne; sister: Isabella Payne; grandparents: G. W. and Annette Frantom and W. L. and Billie Payne; aunts & uncles: Kirk and Misty Frantom, Lynn and Tammie Payne, Freddy and Olivia Payne, Karan Payne, Kahyon and Sandra Payne Sciar; and a host of loving cousins, extended family, and very close friends. Savannah spent her 21 years loving others and taking care of anyone she identified as in need, no matter if this person was a close friend or family member, a colleague at work, an "invisible" person, or a stranger. Savannah was gifted with an ability to choose a positive outlook to any situation. She would choose to see the good in any and all. When this was difficult to do, she relied on The Word of God to get her through. It was not uncommon for her to quote scripture. One of her "go-tos" was: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7. She was also quick to share Philippians 2:14 with others, "Do everything without complaining and grumbling…" She found comfort in Philippians 4:13 and would share with others to remember that the Bible says that "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength". Cheerleading was a natural sport for her. Encouragement, teamwork, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears are all needed within the cheer community. Savannah met each of these requirements. She was happiest when others thrived and were at their best. As a base, her job was to do what it takes to make a stunt "work" or "hit". This often meant she might get hit, scratched, or knocked. This did not phase Savannah. She was "all in" and would do whatever it took, many times sacrificing her comfort or glory. Savannah has always been a natural-born leader. As a toddler and preschooler, she directed anyone who came to see her straight to her room to play with her. In elementary, middle school, and high school, Savannah would help any- and every-one. She was quick to be first and lay the groundwork for others. She would take charge, but respected others. As a young adult, Savannah would take responsibility to meet whatever needs existed, in social circles, at work, in school, or at home. These qualities allowed her to be awarded the Whit's Warrior Scholarship upon high school graduation. She was proud of this accomplishment as her "gifts" in leadership, encouragement, and teamwork were highlighted. Savannah loved her family and friends with a sincere love. She enjoyed spending time with all. She particularly enjoyed her sister, Isabella. They were perfect opposites, perfectly complimenting each other. Savannah genuinely enjoyed hanging out with her sister and offered any support Isabella needed. The sisterly bond is real and close. On August 23, 2016, Savannah became gravely ill with severe infections of unknown origin in her blood and urine. She was rushed to St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA. The effects of severe septic shock had set in and Savannah began her race. Savannah had two opportunities to meet Jesus on that day and each time, she came back to be with her family and friends. There were many obstacles in the way, including multiple organ failure, amputations of her arms and legs, scalded skin syndrome, and unstable vital signs. On September 13, 2016, after 3 weeks in the MICU Unit, she was transferred to the Burn Unit at University Health (formerly LSU Hospital) in Shreveport, LA. The aggressive task of debridement began which is the removal of dead or necrotic skin in preparation of skin grafts. During the 7 ˝ weeks in Shreveport, Savannah never complained, remained gracious, and was thankful for her care. God comforted his beloved Savannah during this difficult time. This was evident in her smiles she gave freely, mouthing "thank you" to those who cared for her, and peace exhibited when she was so sick. Twice while at the Burn Unit, Savannah was at Heaven's Gate, according to the doctors. The doctors and medical staff "tried one more thing", although not sure if it would work. Savannah responded positively both times. Jesus and Savannah had decided to continue to run the race set before her. After 10 ˝ weeks, severe septic shock set in again and on November 4, 2016, Savannah and Jesus decided that she had won the race and it was time to receive her heavenly reward. Her family has peace knowing that Savannah is complete, happy, joyful, and loving her new home. The outpouring of love, concern, and support from the world has completely overwhelmed her family. Her family is so grateful to God's beloved followers for being the hands, feet, heart, and mind of Jesus. The medical and support staff who cared for her at St. Francis Medical Center and the Burn Unit at University Health will forever hold a sweet spot in the hearts of her family. They cared for her with a heart of Jesus. It was evident to the family that these individuals did not have a "job"; but they are fulfilling a "passion". Her family is also humbled and honored that God chose their daughter to be an instrument of His grace, spiritual revival, and love. Savannah will be deeply missed here on this side of heaven; however, the family hopes that her legacy will be one of encouragement, love, peace, and grace here on Earth. The visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Ruston, LA from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Memorial donations may be made to Pilots for Patients at www.pilotsforpatients.org or Pilots for Patients, 3127 Mercedes Drive, Monroe, LA 71201. Memorial donations may also be made to the Big Whit 77 Foundation by visiting www.bigwhit77.com and click "Donate". To leave an online message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/ouachita/obits/p/payne5628nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/lafiles/ File size: 8.2 Kb