Ann P. (Payne) Tompkins

Ann Payne Tompkins, entered into rest peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Envoy of Westover Hills, Richmond, Virginia.  She was born on July 8, 1947, the oldest of five girls to the late Deacon James Lewis Payne and Thelma Love Payne, in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Being raised in Williamsburg, Ann attended Bruton Heights School and graduated from James Weldon Johnson School.  In 1970, she obtained her Associates Degree from The Peninsula Business College in Newport News.

Ann loved serving the Lord.  While in Williamsburg she was active in the choir at First Baptist Church.   After settling in Richmond, she attended the Richmond Outreach Center Church. 

As a teen, Ann worked various jobs throughout Williamsburg and was well liked among her peers for her charm, sense of humor, and elegant style of dress.  She later accepted a job with the Fingerprint Section of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington, D.C.  She also worked various jobs in the food industry.

Ann had a winning personality among her friends and at the nursing home where she resided in her later years.  She was loving and very funny.  She ensured that everyone in her presence had a smile on their face.  She had nicknames for almost every staff member, visitor and resident. The nursing home staff and residents often commented how much they loved Ann and how she brightened up their day.  Ann was part of a group of ladies they referred to as the “Four Musketeers”.  She loved attending church and Bible study, and singing praise songs at the nursing home.  She never let a visitor leave her without praying for her, and her roommates.  Ann was passionate about her beliefs.  In the late 1960s she spoke up for the pastor of First Baptist Church who wanted to have something to drink at the Rexall Drug Store counter, which was forbidden for African Americans during this time.  Ann went to her boss and asked if the pastor could sit at the counter to enjoy his drink, and he was permitted to do so because of her bravery and compassion. Ann will be missed by all who knew her.

Ann is survived by her two beloved sons, Andre Tompkins (Yolanda), San Antonio, TX, and Derrick Earl Tompkins, Williamsburg, VA; her four siblings, Jean Williams, Fayetteville, NC, Gail Moye (Paul) of Charlotte, NC, Joyce Cousar, Wilmington, DE, and Madeline Payne, Crofton, MD; four grandchildren, Drevon, Dreonna, Dreshon, and AJ; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

A funeral service for Mrs. Tompkins will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, December 20, 2019, in Whiting’s Chapel.  Interment to follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery.  Mrs. Tompkins may be viewed on Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the hour of her service.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia  23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com

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