Our beloved Queen, Carmelita Nunag Payad, 84, of Jacksonville, Florida, peacefully joined her Heavenly Father on April 30, 2025. Known to many as “Mama Lita”, she was the Matriarch of a big family and known for her toughness yet big heart. She always put others before herself and was always willing to share what she had. Mama Lita instilled in her children respect, hard work, humility, giving back and her infamous stubbornness. She was a devoted Catholic Christian who was full of faith and remembered the Lord’s Prayer despite her advanced dementia until the very end.
Born on June 4, 1940, in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines, she was one of 12 siblings who lost her mother at a young age but was surrounded by many family members so she never felt alone. Before getting married and moving to the US, she was a midwife who delivered many babies in her region. She met Jose Torres Payad and they got married on December 24th, 1967. Jose joined the Navy and was stationed all over the United States before settling down in Jacksonville, Fl. together they raised 4 children while Carmelita worked as a factory worker for Winkler then Unisource. She retired after her beloved Jose passed away and spent most of her time with her loved ones. Her main source of happiness after he passed away were her beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mama Lita was also a 2-time cancer survivor and fought/beat numerous rounds of pneumonia. She was known as a Warrior Queen to the staff that took care of her at Life Care of Orange Park and Community Hospice.
Mama Lita was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and her beloved husband Jose Torres Payad. Now she is reunited with all of them and her beloved grand pups Fiona, Batman, Blue, Lulu and Gizmo.
She is survived by her children: Josie, Melner, Edwin (Joyce), Diane, Erica (Jason); her grandchildren: Lesley (Alvin), Phillip (Christian), Jose, Justus and her great grandchildren: Gabrielle, Amayah and Tristan and grandpets: Kobe, Dunx, Dewie, Suga, Lando, Lucy. She is survived by the many offspring of her siblings and her late husband’s family in the Philippines as well.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society to continue the research to cure cancer at https://donate.cancer.org/ or a charitable foundation of your choice.
Fraser Funeral Home
Fraser Funeral Home
Jenn Cava
May 3, 2025, 3:33 pm
Dearest Diane and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you find comfort in the memories you shared with your Mom. Please know that I am here for you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Angie Hoffman
May 3, 2025, 3:33 pm
Josey, thoughts and prayers for your loss. I know she was a remarkable woman as she raised an amazing lady! I pray you find peace and comfort. We love you!
Annette Brown
May 3, 2025, 4:36 pm
My sincere condolences to the family. Affectionately called mama, you will truly be missed. God has another beautiful angel. Rest in peace! 😇
Karol Heffner
May 3, 2025, 6:26 pm
Hugs & prayers to Josie and family.🙏🙏
Vincent Edquiban
May 4, 2025, 6:49 am
Your mother was a phenomenal woman. What good memories you must have. Lean on them to remind you of the joy she brought into your life. “Our deepest condolences and sympathy to all she left behind”.
Diane
May 4, 2025, 11:38 am
Hi mom, I hope you and Dad and the fur babies are having a great time up there! I miss you a lot. Sometimes I get a whiff of your smell and think that you’re with me. I hope you are able to see your family again too, esp your mom. I know you were always sad when you talked about her. I’m glad you’re not heartbroken anymore. I have this void in my heart for you and Dad but I’m not going to be selfish because you both have a second chance with each other now and reminding myself of that fills the hole. We will be ok, this is your time to relax and enjoy yourself. You sacrificed enough for us. Please kiss Fiona and the other fur babies for me. I will see you all again one day. I love you.
Leonard and Roberta Connell
May 4, 2025, 2:06 pm
Dear Sweet Edwin and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. You are in our thoughts and Prayers as you navigate this journey and find your new normal without your precious Mama. Please let us know of there is anything we can do. We love you, Mama Berta and Papa Leonard.
Peanut Mcnutt
May 4, 2025, 3:40 pm
My condolences and prayers .
Willie Taylor
May 4, 2025, 6:56 pm
To the Family of Mrs Payad I offer my sincere condolences. Your life is shown through your children. Diane is a testament to who you are and what you believed. I have memories through my friend and Thank you for being an Awesome Mom, a dedicated Mom and most of all dedicated to your Faith. Rest in Peace.
Keona Holmes
May 5, 2025, 1:37 pm
Dear Diane, I was deeply saddened to hear about your mother’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. I cannot imagine the pain you’re going through, but I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your mother must have been a wonderful person to have raised such a kind and caring daughter. May her memory bring you comfort, and may you find strength in the love and support of those around you.