Ernest "Ernie" Lee Payton, Sr.

Ernest Lee Payton Sr., better known as Ernie, was born on September 27, 1936 in Doddsville, MS to Louis Payton and Martha Davis. Ernie was raised along with his brother in a tight-knit community made up of aunts, uncles and his grandfather, Popa.

Later his mother decided to move to New York for a better life. At the age of eight, Ernie and his ten year old brother, Albert, were put on a bus to New York City. They arrived and didn't see their mother so decided to ask people how to get to 151 West 140th Street in Harlem. They followed the directions and took the subway train to safely arrive at their new home. This was Ernie's first introduction to Harlem which he claimed as his own from then on. For the remainder of his youth, he was lovingly raised by his mother and step father, Rudolph Henry.

The excitement of Harlem was vastly different from the southern states he was raised in. Back then Doo Woop singing was very popular. Ernie and his friends would stand on the corners and stoops singing their favorite artist's songs. His melodious voice accompanied his artistic abilities as he created art in various mediums including drawing, painting and metal work.

He attended P.S. 5 Elementary, Frederick Douglas JHS, and DeWitt Clinton HS. He later enlisted in the US Airforce which gave him the opportunity to travel the world. He fell in love with Japan and learned Japanese. He planned to move there when his service enlistment was completed, but his love for Harlem and family changed his mind.

He later began a family with Paulette Williams. They were blessed with three children, Ernest Jr, Tina and Yvette in addition to his bonus children, Allen and April. In 1983 Ernie married Annette Rochester whom he shared life with until her death in 1993.

Ernie held several jobs throughout his lifetime, but he was last employed by NYC Transit as a Cleaner. In 2018, after developing blindness, he moved to Charlotte with his sister Doris and niece Aisha Ramos-Foote (Montee Foote). Later on due to the extent of his physical needs, Ernie began living at a nursing facility where he gained more family. His favorite person there was his CNA Marilyn who was the only one he listened to.

His last days on this earth he did not want to speak or eat, but when his niece Aisha took his hand and asked, "Uncle Ernie do you want some ice cream?" He said yes. His last hours on May 1, 2026 were spent singing doo woop and thanking God. He told his sister Doris, "I'm ready."

Ernie leaves to cherish his memories his children, April Chaderton and Tina Payton, his sister, Doris Henry and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sleep well HARLEM.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Payton family.