Freddie Juel (Payne) Nash

Freddie Juel Payne was born August 22, 1939, in Trenton, TN to Marshall Odell and Esther Payne. 

She was affectionately known by many names including Freddie Juel, Mutt, Nana, Nana B., Mom Freddie, Grandma, Mother and Ma.

As a child, she attended New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church where her grandfather, the late J. H. Andrews was pastor. She also served as a faithful member of the kitchen committee throughout the years. Freddie attended and graduated from Rosenwald School in Trenton, TN. She was active in all the school activities, especially the marching band, where she was a high stepping majorette. One night during a Christmas Parade she stepped so high, she felt a draft and realized that she had forgotten part of her uniform. We’ll let you figure out which part she forgot.

In 1956 she welcomed a daughter, Loretta Jean better known as “Jeanie-beanie”. In 1962 she moved to Fort Wayne to make a better life for herself and daughter. She then began her employment at Fort Wayne State Hospital and Training Center. During her 40 years of employment with the State Hospital, she went to college and earned a degree in Culinary Arts from Indiana Tech. In 1971 she welcomed a son, Terrence Terrell affectionally called “Top Cat”. In the early 70’s, she accepted Christ and was baptized by Rev. Dr. C.E. Walker of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. She served her church as a past president and member of the Usher Board, a past chairperson of the Building Fund and Co-Chairperson of the Pastoral Committee. She continued her service and membership until her health failed under the new leadership of Rev. Dr. Fred R. Morris.

Freddie was active in many civic organizations and clubs. She was a member of a CB radio club where her handle was “Brown Sugar”. Quiet as it’s kept, Freddie also rode motorcycles when she would visit her uncles, the presidents of the Rough Riders motorcycle club in Indianapolis. Her civic activities included the Allen County Democratic Party and past president of the East Central Neighborhood Association. She was also a member of The Better First District Women’s Club, which was organized by her uncle, the late John Nuckols, Fort Wayne’s first black City Councilman. 

Freddie was loved by so many. She became known as the neighborhood mom. There was never a hungry mouth in her home. No matter what neighborhood she lived in, her house was always the hangout spot. 

Freddie gained her heavenly wings on Wednesday, October 20, 2021.

Freddie’s life continues through her children, Loretta Jean (Roosevelt) Johnson; Terrence (LaKenna) London; Triant (Erica) Abdul-Halim; Gregory (Cynthia) London and Jesse Sanders. Grandchildren, Danielle (John) Carver III; TiAhna and Quantrell London; DeOsha Smith; Shara (Joey) Eloms; Michael Gibbs; Brittney Allen; Khaleeq; Takreemah; Triant II and Amaari Abdul-Halim; Nicholas; Celine and Cynne London; and Brianna and Brielle Sanders. Great Grandchildren, Kennedy and Carter Eloms; Nalayia Smith, JaYhon and Journee Conway, John Carver IV and Unborn Baby London. Aunt, Arnell Payne-Teague. Uncle, Wilbert Payne and God Daughter Quintessa (Joe) Woods. She was also blessed with many honorary children, Connie (Bobby) Green; Marcia Simmons; Lydia Wyatt; Valerie Murphy; Danny Mollison; Brandon Jenkins; Roger (Crystal) Smith; and Patrick Ingram. Special Friend, Earsell Phipps. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.  

Present with the Lord are her cherished parents, Marshall Odell and Esther Payne; brother, James Payne and Special Aunt, Pearl Nuckols

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.