Michele Lorraine Payne Langford's Obituary
Michele Payne Langford born April 30, 1946 to Edward Edwin Crichlow and Rosetta Henry Crichlow, passed on June 25, 2025.
Michele, an only child, found her dearest companions in books. With few toys, the worlds within pages became her playground, igniting a lifelong passion for reading. This love for faraway places eventually blossomed into an insatiable wanderlust. She journeyed to five continents: Asia, Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia, immersing herself in the cultures she'd only read about.
Michele enthusiastically shared her love of exploration with her children, embarking on family vacations that spanned the globe, with cruises holding a special place in her heart.
Born and raised in New York City, Michele spent her formative years in Harlem. Her striking height and regal presence as a young woman led her to a unique opportunity: working as both a model and a concierge at the iconic 1964 World's Fair.
Her professional journey began in corporate America at New York Life, but her true calling led her to American Airlines. A brilliant, self-taught programmer, Michele excelled in her career, eventually retiring as a Systems Analyst. She even penned a book, "JEMS" by Michele, an acronym for the names of her children, a testament to her family.
Michele's life saw her make a number of homes. She first relocated to Jamaica, Queens, New York, with her eldest daughter, Soraya, where she met and married Milton Payne, a veteran and New York City Transit Authority employee. As their family grew with the arrival of their second daughter, Ramona, they moved to North Babylon, New York, where Michele proudly built her first home, later giving birth to Jeffrey and Erica while living on Long Island. She loved to entertain, frequently hosting family, friends, and co-workers on weekends and holidays in her beautiful space. A talented seamstress, she took immense pride in covering her furniture in, custom upholstery and draperies.
A relocation opportunity with American Airlines prompted Michele and Milton to plan a move to Oklahoma. Tragically, Milton passed away from colon cancer during this transition, leaving Michele to embark on the move to Tulsa, Oklahoma alone with her four children. She took great pride in being able to send her children to the best schools in the Oklahoma, Soraya attending Booker T. Washington High School, Ramona attending Booker T Washington, High School, Erica attending Bishop Kelly High School and Jeffrey attending Cascia Hall High School and later receiving a full scholarship to St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. Despite this immense personal challenge, she embraced her new community, even serving as the chairperson for the Dr. Martin Luther King Parade in Tulsa and as a Officer on the Board of Tulsa’s NAACP. She was the Chairperson for the American Airlines Corporate Challenge in Tulsa, OK. Many don't know she has written a book. In addition she found time to sell jewelry, her passion on the side at local conventions.
Over the years, Michele created homes in seven different locations: Jamaica, Queens, New York; North Babylon, New York; Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Owasso, Oklahoma; Pensacola, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; and Owasso, Oklahoma once more. Throughout her life, she also shared her homes with beloved pets, including her cat, Blue, and her grand-dog, Diva, alongside other cherished animals.
She worked with many election boards in Florida, Georgia and Oklahoma for voter registration. After the Florida hurricanes, she became a disaster relief helper. Michele wanting to have 6 kids and fostered many children over the years.
She left behind her beloved family: daughters: Soraya Payne (Mitchell), Ramona Burton (Paul), and Erica Payne (Herschel Smith); son: Jeffrey Payne (Jennifer); a host of grandchildren, Jasmine Payne (Korey), Jessica Hopkins, Shawntelle Payne, Ryan Henley(Meghan), Terrika Payne McGowan(Julian Sean), Cameron Burton, Jacqueline Burton, Corban Payne, Ben Meisenheimer, Ian Payne, and Greyson Payne. , 17 Great-Grandchildren; and her best furry paw partner: Blu.
Michele is preceded in death by her parents: Edward and Rosetta Crichlow; husband: James Langford ; and beloved cousin: Peter Lowery.
A viewing and visitation will be held 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Floral Haven Visitation Suites, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 3:00 PM, Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
For those who are unable to attend the service in person. Floral Haven will be live streaming for those who would like to join virtually.
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/113764/hash:8A1FD5E095341A1C
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