Mack W. Payton

Mack Willie Payton, who passed the supervisor’s test in 1967 and became the first non-appointed African American to serve as a probation officer supervisor at Children’s Court Center, died of natural causes Sunday, February 11. A World War II veteran, Mr. Payton was also among the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps in significant numbers.

The only child of the late Reverend Mack Payton and Mrs. Oceola (Sterling) Payton was born in Forest, Mississippi January 17, 1923.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 after graduating from Scott County Training School, and served in the Solomon Islands until his honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1945.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and The American Legion. He is listed in the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

When he returned home from the war, Mr. Payton enrolled in Alcorn A&M College in Lorman, Mississippi where he earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies. There he met and married Gertrude Price. Mr. Payton taught science and served as a coach in Magnolia, Mississippi for one year before moving to Milwaukee with his wife and daughter in 1951.

He worked in a factory and at the post office before landing a job in his chosen profession: social work.

After earning a master’s degree in social work from UW-Milwaukee, he became a probation officer at Children’s Court. He retired as a supervisor in 1982.

A quiet, concerned individual, Mr. Payton believed in and lived by the Golden Rule, gave back to the community, and championed causes for those less fortunate than he.

He helped organize Little League Baseball for African American youth in the city, and served as Boy Scout district manager.

At a crucial time during the Vietnam War when protesters were active, he served as chairman of Selective Service Board #45.

At one point during his tenure as chairman protesters broke into the board’s office and burned draft cards.

He also served on the board of the NAACP, Northcott Neighborhood House and the Booster’s Organization of the Milwaukee Boys Club.

A member of St. Mark A.M.E. Church since 1953, Mr. Payton served as a Trustee, Steward, chairman of the Christian Social Relations Commission, and member of the Christian Social Action Forum Committee.

A staunch supporter of his alma mater, he and his wife were instrumental in recruiting 50 students to the school, now named Alcorn State University. In 1989, Alcorn named him Alcornite of the Year--the school’s highest honor.

Former President George Bush was the commencement speaker. Later he was inducted into Alcorn’s Hall of Honor.

In 1978, Mack and Gertrude established the Mack W. and Gertrude Payton Scholarship Fund at Alcorn. Along with their children, Shelia and Renato, they have also established the Payton-Price Family Fund at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

The fund currently provides scholarships to students of Black African ancestry attending historically black colleges and universities; but will, as the fund grows, provide support in other areas that enhance opportunities for success and achievement among people of Black African ancestry.

A 32nd Degree Mason, Mr. Payton was a member of Tyree Lodge #8 of the Prince Hall Masonic Family of Wisconsin, the Ionic Consistory #70, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

He is listed in the1970-71 edition of Who’s Who in the Midwest for Social Workers.

Mr. Payton is survived by his wife of 59 years Gertrude (Price) Payton, his daughter Shelia (Milwaukee), his son Renato, daughter-in-law Janice (Marrs) Payton, grandchildren Joi, Justin and Renee Payton (Fontana, California), and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, February 19 at Northwest Funeral Chapel, 6630 West Hampton Avenue, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. February 20 at St. Mark A.M.E. Church, 1616 West Atkinson Avenue. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. at St. Mark. Internment will be at Wisconsin Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Payton-Price Family Fund. Donations should be mailed to the attention of Shelia Payton, P.O. Box 511388 Milwaukee, WI 53203.

Emma Lorena Bailey Wright

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 16 at Rehoboth Miracle Temple COGIC for Emma Lorena Bailey Wright who passed away February 10. She was 54.

Mrs. Wright was born November 9, 1952 to the late Calvin and Iva Mae Bailey in Chicago, Illinois.

Emma was married to Willie Lee Wright, Jr. on September 8, 1979. Emma was a loving mother who stayed at home to raise her children. She later returned to school and earned her GED from MATC in 1986.

Emma enjoyed spending time listening to music, dancing, shooting darts, playing pool, playing cards, entertaining and laughing with family and friends.

On February 10, Emma found peace with the Lord. She is preceded in death by her father, mother, and sister Pamela Bailey.

Emma leaves to cherish her memory three daughters: Monica Bailey, Tanita Dickerson, one child born to her union with Willie Wright, Joy Dickerson Wright, and one son Mark Dickerson, all of Milwaukee; her three brothers Leonard (Satirah) Bailey, Calvin Bailey and Bryant Bailey.

Five sisters: Katheryn (Eartherly) Briggs, Phyllis Bailey of Milwaukee; Cynthia Buchanan, Denver and Mary (Melvin) Pratt of Maywood, Illinois; nine grandchildren: Dontae, Tiffany, Sherease, De-Shawn, Dominique, Anthony, Angelia, Janay and Mark.

Three great grandchildren: Jalin, Diamond and Javonte, all of Milwaukee, and a special family friend, Ms. Ann Richardson.

Combined services will be held at Rehoboth, located at 2804 North 29th Street, where Reverend R.V. Mills is pastor.

Visitation is slated for 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 12 noon. Reverend Eugene Wright will deliver the eulogy.

Committal will be at Graceland Cemetery, 6401 North 43rd Street. Final arrangements are being handled by Banks Funeral Home, 3621 West Villard Avenue. Repast will be held at Rehoboth.