Annetta Louise (Payne) Felton

Annetta Louise was born January 29, 1955 to Audrey E. James of the Bronx, New York.  As her mother was very young, Nettie was strongly influenced by her Great Grandmother Mary Anderson, her Grandmother Lillian James and her Great Aunt Annetta Callabrass Rodriquez.  The examples of four strong women in her life left an indelible mark and forecasted she could accomplish anything. 

Nettie grew up in Queens, New York and despite the efforts of many, her rambunctious personality and fiercely independent nature ruled her youth.  Her first love, however, settled her a bit coming with the birth of her first daughter Tereasa Joy. During this time in her young life she toiled through many job starts and stops, vocational schools, and even managed her own childcare business all with TT by her side.

Those who knew Nettie well have certainly witnessed her feisty spirit and may have even found themselves on the wrong side of it at least once, if not many times.  But that intensity was equally present in support of the people and things she loved. If Nettie “had your back” you didn’t have a worry. Her capacity to love and care was boundless, as even stray cats or dogs could not be left to fend for themselves.  She took in countless pets over the years even when she had little to feed herself and her family.

Correcting some missteps and landing a job at Irene Hayes Wadley & Smythe (a leading NY Florist) commenced a great period in Annetta’s life.  During this time she met Fred Pierce and welcomed a second daughter with the birth of Jennifer Ann Pierce. However, searching for something more and longing for closer guidance and support from her mother (who left New York seven years earlier), Annetta moved to Miami, FL. 

Joining her mother and younger brother in the Magic City, Annetta initially worked two years as a File Clerk with Cummings-Grayson & Associates (Accountants) and then five years at DVM Pharmaceuticals Inc.  During this period Annetta returned to school to earn her G.E.D., married John Felton and bought a home in Carol City, FL.

After the death of her beloved mother, a divorce, and the national financial crisis, Annetta found comfort in the form of a wonderful community in Gadsden, AL the hometown of her dear friend and youngest daughter’s father Fred Pierce.

Annetta (Nettie) Payne Felton departed this world on Friday, October 25.  She lived her life with a bold energy, a feisty will, and a joy that will be sorely missed.  A legacy of love, laughter and memories will be cherished by her daughters Tereasa Hunt and Jennifer Pierce; grandchildren Fred, Raekwon, Chyna, Zariah, Zaniya, and Zamir’e; Great-Grandson Santana; brothers Kenneth, Anthony and Alfred Payne, sister-in-laws Judy, Jamillah and Angie; nephews Langston, Bryant, Tamar, Michael, Alfred and AJ; niece Samirh; uncle Thomas Henry; cousins Claudette, Denise, Mac and their children George, Michael, Andre, Vernon, Carlissa and Ashley; friends Lisa Wright, Fred Pierce and the Gadsden Community along with a host of other family and friends.

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