Henry & Ruth Payne

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:10, 27-28 KJV

“Ruth Ester” what a powerful name, the name Ruth means “mercy” The book of Ruth in the bible teach us about Loyalty, love, kindness, the value of persons, and the need to understand one another. The name Ester means “Star”. The book of Ester in the bible teaches us about caring for needy relatives, God’s favor upon Ester; and Ester being chosen as a queen. Those who were blessed to have known Ruth Ester Payne recognize she exhibited the same character, grace, and love for her family, friends and others.

Ruth Ester Johnson was born in Mansfield, Louisiana on December 7, 1928 to the late James Henry and Sallie C. Johnson. She inherited a legacy of faith, family, strength, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. During her school age years she attended Community Rosenwald School of De Sota Parish, LA. Her work ethic and keen business sense is attributed to assisting her parents on their farm during her adolescent years.

Ruth dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and proclaimed her love for the Lord!! She was a praying God fearing woman who instilled the importance of faith and putting God first into the lives of her family and others.

In 1946 Ruth married Leroy Gipson and to their union Deborah Jean, Vanessa Dale, and Ronnie Rena Gipson were born. In 1956 the family relocated from Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA. The family united with Mt. Olive 2nd Baptist Church in Los Angeles, under the pastorship of Reverend A. Moten. Ruth sang in the choir and had a compelling drive to serve God. In the mid 60’s the family united with Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of Joe B. Hardwick, where Ruth continued to serve God and was a member of the Mother’s Board.

Ruth was a phenomenal cook; she did not cook with a recipe book. She could whip a magnificent meal together with scraps and leftovers that in her words “Would make you won’t to slap your Momma” She had an honest God-given talent; a way of healing people through her food. If you asked her how to prepare a meal she could not give you specific measurements because she used a pinch of this or a pinch of that (Smile). She cooked by feel, sight and taste she knew exactly how much was enough. Those who had an opportunity to sit around her table at home or dine at her restaurant knew you were in for a special treat and not only would your stomach be fed but your spirit was fed also.

In the early 60’s Ruth and Leroy ventured into the restaurant business and opened the Blue Haven Restaurant and the Pink Kitty Cafe located in the English Square in the late 1960’s. As a result of their entrepreneurial endeavors the restaurants were successful and well known within the Los Angeles community for their delicious down home southern cooking. In 1971 Leroy and Ruth’s marriage ended in divorce, but did not end their remarkable friendship.

On October 30, 1975 Ruth and Henry Payne were united in Holy matrimony. They shared a special love, and bond that was evident to those who knew them. They also shared the love of God, family, helping others and entrepreneurship. During their union they launched and nurtured Hank’s Seafood into a successful family-owned business located in Compton, CA. Their slogan was “You buy we fry” The fish market became well known across Los Angeles County for over 25 years. They were very charitable; and believed in giving back to the community and helping those in need.

To our family Ruth Ester is Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Wife, Sister, Friend, Counselor, Beautiful, Loving, Wise, Understanding, Courageous, Classy, Sophisticated, Trustworthy, Spiritual, Inspiring, Elegant, Radiant, Graceful, Dignified, a praying God fearing virtuous woman with extraordinary strength, a willing worker, a missionary, our master culinary chef Ruthardee; The heart and lifeline of our family. I can go on and on listing heartfelt adjectives to describe her, but I will sum it up by saying she’s our blessing from God. She has touched and continues to inspire so many lives and is loved, respected, and cherished forever more. GRAND MOTHER of them all your works were not in vain!! We thank you for laying a solid strong foundation for our family and generations to come, and for planting the seed of love and faith in our hearts. We MISS YOU!! And LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!! We know that GOD knows BEST and LOVES YOU BEST!! Your purpose here on earth has been fulfilled and you have received your reward of eternal life.

II Corinthians 5:8 reads to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I know we will be reunited one day until then enjoy walking around heaven all day and the reunion with your Mother and Father, Sisters Pearline and Vearline, Brother Alfred, your daughter Deborah, your son Ronnie, your great-granddaughters Toneka and Leilani and your Beloved husband Henry, but most importantly being in the presence of God our Master who welcomed you home on Wednesday, February 15th and replied “Well done, my good and faithful servant!

Ruth leaves to cherish her loving memories: her loving devoted daughter Vanessa Dale Gipson and step-daughter Michelle Thomas. Her loving devoted Granddaughter’s Deborah (Floyd) Womble, Regina (Toney) Adkins, Tamika (Rodney) Williams, Cheryl Newman, Idina Gipson, and Ronnicher Gipson. Her loving devoted Grandson’s Ronnie Gipson Jr., Ike Carstarphen Sr., Reginald Gipson, Dion Quick, and Jermaine (Monica) Parrott. (30) Great-Grandchildren, Three Sisters, Vessie Goss of Shreveport, LA, Essie Gillians, and Josephine Matthews of Galveston TX. Brother J. B. (Joan) Johnson of Los Angeles, CA. and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.