Rukiya Thema Payne

Expression of Life

Sunrise

Rukiya Payne was born on May 12, 1974 to Eugene Payne, Sr. and Shirley (Jones) Payne. Rukiya accepted Christ into her life at an early age. She attended Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Rukiya graduated from Highland Park Senior H.S. in Minnesota in 1992. In 1992 Rukiya welcomed her first born child, Shaquantae; in 1998 she welcomed her second child, Tiara; and in 2001 she welcomed her third child Ellijah. She loved her children with all her heart and soul.

Rukiya loved music and she really loved to sing. Her favorite music was R&B and Rap genres. She enjoyed swimming and would regularly take her children along with her niece and great nephews to the Splash Pad. Where they would spend hours filled with memorable times. Rukia liked frequently gathering with family at her home, where she would cook for them.

She had an infectious smile and laughter that everyone loved to be around her. Rukiya took pleasure in watching comedy sitcoms with family or by herself. She liked being with friends and family relaxing and making memories.

Sunset

On Friday, June 12, 2026, God sounded his jubilant trumpets and welcomed His daughter home.

She is preceded in death by her father, Eugene “Gene” Payne Sr.; brothers, Aaron (Kim) Payne, Eugene “Dunney” Payne, Jr.; and son Ellijah Marquise Payne.

She leaves to cherish her memory and rejoice in her home going, her mother, Shirley Payne; her siblings: brothers, Kylon (Desiree’) Payne, JeRel Payne; children, Shaquantae Bates, and Tiara Smith; grandchild, Deszia Bates. A host of nieces and nephews; other relatives and many close friends.