Cionia C. Dickerson-Payne

Cionia C. Dickerson-Payne, age 43, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at UPMC Hamot. She was born in Erie on September 17, 1981, a daughter of Tonynia Babcock and Darrell Dickerson (Tammy).

Cionia attended Erie Central High School and later earned her degrees from Edinboro University and Ashworth College. A passionate reader and artist, she enjoyed drawing and dancing. She had a special fondness for horror movies. Strong-willed and independent, she was also a devoted mother and loving wife, with an unending love for her family.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Tonya M. Walker and Jeanetta "Netta" Dickerson; a brother, Darrell J. Dickerson II; and a nephew, Natsuo Dickerson.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her loving husband, Christopher L. Payne; daughters, Cianna L., Chrisette L., and Chioma L. Payne; step-children, Christopher L. Payne, Jr. and Shakurah T. Payne; brother, Michael J. Hitzges; sisters, Nachieceia and Tatieana Dickerson (William Perez) and Vinecha Madison. She is also survived by her Aunt Francine Babcock; special friends, Marisol, Rhonda, Lanena, Missy, Sintique, and Lashaunda H.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry St., from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Service there on Thursday at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.