In March of this year, shortly before his brother Glenn passed, Cedric learned from his doctors that he was living on borrowed time. This caused him to reflect on how he wanted to be remembered. Most of the thoughts below, the order of service, the pastor, speakers, singers, the poem, even how he wanted to be dressed, were all dictated and approved by Cedric as he prepared for what was to come.
Cedric Payne, 64, (11 months and 21 days!) of Lincoln, Nebraska, took his last earthly breath in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 12. He slipped away peacefully in poetic justice as the song “Casanova”, played on the speaker in his room at Bryan Hospital’s Hospice Unit.
Cedric was born November 22, 1958, to Marie and Lawyer (Ceal) Payne in Birmingham, Alabama. His mother often remarked that “he came out with clinched fists, just a yelling like he was getting ready for something.” If you knew Cedric for any length of time you knew he had a personality and spirit that was larger-than-life.
Several months ago, when asked how he wanted to be remembered he said, as someone who never gave up, never backed down and was a friend to many. He was someone who always said what was on his mind, loved his family and ‘loved the skin he was in’.
Those of us who shared “C”, Cedric, ”CP” life, shared with him his love and his confusion. Though Cedric mellowed with age, he was always a wild and unpredictable ride. He was tough but he brought things into your life that were unique and when he turned on that love light, it illuminated your world. If you were lucky enough to stand in that light, consider your yourself blessed to have been considered his friend.
Cedric definitely was a momma’s boy. The Monday he was moved to hospice, he commented ““I smell roses, Momma’s here.” Before her passing Miss Marie said “when you smell roses, that means I’m around.” On Tuesday he said “I smell em’” that evening he fell into a limited responsive state and stayed that way until Saturday night. On Saturday late into the evening he sat straight up, eyes wide open as if he was looking at something or someone, raised his hand up as if to reach out. He then looked at back at his friend Martha, who was holding his hand and said, “roses”, went back to sleep and passed a few hours later.
Cedric was known for many things, such as someone who reigned supreme on the basketball court. Could work his magic on the dance floor, and with the ladies. One prime lady in his life was Kelly Hansen who he met on the dance floor at a local Lincoln nightclub. Together their union produced three children, Alyssa, Corbin and Teyanna. Several years ago, Cedric learned he had an older daughter, Lauren Faulkner and a granddaughter Kairo Smith. He deeply loved all of his children, but it was important to him that Lauren and Kairo knew that they were loved. Although they would talk every day, his only regret was that they had not found each other earlier in life.
Cedric’s ability to enjoy Cedric was incredible. He was always the life of the party, be it cards, dominos, fishing, or hanging out with friends with a little recreation and an adult beverage or two, or three or… and he was always up for an impromptu road trip. Again, reflecting on his life, he said “I’ve had a good run”. He knew he had already lived about 10 lives, 640 years and 11 months in the life of an average man.
Cedric could be fragile but he also emanated power and safety, especially when it came to his grandchildren. He cherished the role of “poppa” and “grandpa”.
Cedric leaves to cherish his memories, his siblings, James (Nicky) Payne, Sylvia Payne, children, Lauren, Alyssa, Corbin and Teyanna. Grandchildren; Kairo, Sirenity, Gracia, Kelion, Nico, Kahmyra, Cerasia and Corion, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and many, many friends.
Waiting to “welcome him home” was his immediate family; parents Ceal and Marie Payne, brothers Maxim and Glenn, the mother of his children, Kelly Hansen and a host of family and long-time friends, in particular, Ralph “Gypsy” Henderson and Jay Weaver.
Up until several months ago, Cedric said he was afraid to die. Then during his last hospital stay he shared that he was okay with “moving on.” He was very appreciative of all those who came to his hospital bed to pray and comfort, him. You brought him great peace.
We’ll miss Cedric’s force of nature, his laughter, his smile (with or without teeth), the sound of his voice, his foolishness, his accomplishments, his face, his hands, his humor, his skin, his noise, his confusion, his power and his peace. His love and his story, the story that he gave to Martha so she could tell it to you.
So, don’t say goodbye, simply say, see you further on up the road.
Oh yeah, and he wanted y’all to remember that he was a bad ass on any given night or day, on his turf, he was one of the baddest asses on the planet. Then he smiled and said “are you really gonna put that in my obituary?”
Cedric didn’t leave when he died. He’s trusting we’ll keep his memory alive.
Love you “Ced.”
Funeral Service will be held 10:00 am Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Metcalf Funeral Home Chapel, 245 N. 27th Street, Lincoln, NE.
Viewing will be held 1 hour prior to the service at Metcalf Funeral Home.