In Memory of Brenda Payne

She wasn't a circus teacher but she let her children run away and join the circus. The St. Louis Arches were born in her gym and started with her best students as the core. Donald Hughes, among others, the first Arch and now our lead teacher, came from the elementary school where Brenda Payne ran an afterschool gymnastics' program.

She is survived by her brother, her adopted daughter (and former Arch) Tiffany (who is now a teacher, herself), her dogs and birds and numerous students from her many years of teaching.

Brenda was a great teacher and in many ways, the St. Louis Arches would not have existed without her. She provided the Arches with their first home. The first (and many other) Arches came from her classes. Brenda was personally responsible for several Arches and other children taking the right paths in life. For years, she had the best gymnastics’ program in the St. Louis city public schools. She choreographed an annual dance for Springboard to Learning's International Dance Festival. And she ran a Leadership Club through the Downtown YMCA. She took children camping, to shows, into her home and into her heart. She gave away more meals and more pairs of socks than could probably be counted. She taught young people everything from a forward roll and how to dance, to how to count and say 'please', to how to make your way in the world.

Brenda was one of the most caring teachers I have ever worked with. She touched the lives of an incredible number of children. I believe that the most important thing you can do in this life is to leave the world a better place. Brenda did just that. Through her work with the children who came into her care, she made their lives richer and the world better. She expected a lot from children and she gave a lot of herself. Although her kidneys may have failed, her heart never did. Brenda was a woman with a big heart.

Thank you, Brenda, for all you gave and all you taught and how much you cared. You made a difference and you will be missed.

Pictured: Brenda Payne with daughter Tiffany and granddaughters Kelly and La Nya.