Sandra Anne Stephens Payne was born on November 7, 1955 to the union of the late Judge Stephens Sr. and Amanda Farris Stephens of Birmingham, Al. She accepted Christ and became a member of True Love Baptist Church until her earthly journey ended on April 20, 2022 at the age of 66.

Sandra attended school in the Birmingham Public School System graduating from Western Olin High School at the age of 18, where she met some friends who would become her lifelong friends; Mrs. Cynthia Perryman, Mrs. Michelle Gary and Ms. Cherrie Thomas all of Birmingham, AL. During this time, she also met and married William H. Payne, Jr. and to this union they were blessed with 4 children. She then attended Lawson State Community College to earn an X-ray technician certificate.

She obtained employment with the Birmingham Board of Education where she retired after twenty- five years of service. She had a green thumb when it came to her passion of growing plants, flowers and vegetables from her outside garden, inside her home as well as on the front porch of her home. She loved playing music to watch them flourish and grow. She truly had a gift of nurturing and growing plants. She enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with her family and friends. She also like to draw, re-write recipes from printed cards or cookbooks and do crossword or word-finding puzzles. 

For those who knew Sandra, knew that she never met a stranger. This servant helped out any and everybody. If you stopped by the house, she would invite you in, offer you a cool drink, and feed you. She opened her home and heart to so many that to know her was truly to love her. Her smile and big, beautiful eyes were so bright and contagious. The very sound of her laughter would make you laugh!

On April 20, 2022, Mrs. Payne went on to glory to join her beloved son, Kenneth Stephens, her parents Judge Stephens Sr. and Amanda Farris Stephens and her brother Richard Curtis. She leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters; LaShaunda Stephens, Terrie Stephens and Amanda Payne all of Birmingham, AL. Three brothers; Judge Stephens Jr. of Bowie, Maryland, Min. David (Rosa) Stephens, and Marvin Stephens all of Birmingham, AL. One sister; Mary (Donald) McKenzie. 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and close friends.