Why Sharon Payne is still “A South Memphis Lady” after living in Alcy Ball for 50 Years

A Lifetime Rooted in South Memphis

There’s no better way of learning about a place than to talk to someone who’s chosen to live there for five decades. And that’s exactly why we reach out to speak with Sharon Payne to get her perspective on the Alcy Ball neighborhood. A lifelong Memphian, Ms. Payne has travelled her fair share, seen the sights, experienced the world, and still keeps calling the Alcy Ball Neighborhood her forever home. Just a few moments within our chat, it became obvious that there’s nowhere else she’d rather be.
Ms. Payne seemed a little shocked herself as she answered my question, “I’ve lived in Alcy Ball for 50 years!” She was still young when her parents divorced and she and her mother moved into the area. The two ladies rented an apartment in the neighborhood and Sharon would walk up the street to Hamilton High School, where she eventually graduated from. Back then, the close knit community provided friendship and warmth…exactly what she needed. She remembers walking the blocks of the neighborhood, always feeling welcome and always feeling at home.

Coming Home Again

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“Alcy Ball residents know how to be friendly, love on people, and host events.”

After high school graduation, Sharon eventually married and moved with her new husband to North Memphis, where the family grew. “I have three, beautiful grown adult children!” she declares joyfully. The new area was good to the family, but when Sharon divorced, there was really only one move that made any sense. “I’m a South Memphis lady.” She explains. Sharon took up residence in the 1955 home in Alcy Ball her mother had purchased when Sharon married and moved away. She settled back into the neighborhood that had enveloped her so well in her youth and decided to invest in its future for good.

Serving and Staying Connected

Mrs. Payne has been on the Alcy Ball Development Corporation board for 10 years this summer, and her passion for the work ABDC as well as her commitment to the neighborhood is undeniable as she speaks of her home. The place is still full of friends and neighbors…some of whom watched her grow up. Friends that have moved to other areas of the city return frequently to visit and catch up. They know they’re missed and will always be welcomed back.

Alcy Ball residents know how “to be friendly, love on people, and host events.” Sharon explains. “They take pride in Alcy Ball.” It’s one of the reasons her youngest son moved into the neighborhood as well. The history is rich and the community is tight.

What Makes Alcy Ball Special

I asked Mrs. Payne what she thought made the Alcy Ball neighborhood different and the words came fast. “The pride we have, the relationships, our empathy, warmth. And we’re close to everything. I feel like I’m in the center of my city.” Only a 10 minute drive from her daughter in Horn Lake, 15 minutes to Cordova, and 10 minutes to downtown, makes living in Alcy Ball easy for Mrs. Sharon, who’s not one to stay in one place for too long. But it’s more than convenience that keeps her invested. “There’s so many things.” She says, “Older people sharing with us makes our community so rich.” 

The renovation and reimagining of Rogers Store is a clear indiction of what is happening and what is possible for Alcy Ball. Mrs. Sharon has big dreams as she thinks about what else she’d love to see happen in the neighborhood. “More neighbors…more homeowners, more social networking, more businesses moving in.” She notes that a long time neighborhood family recently opened a thrift store that has added some retail interest in the area, and she’d love to see a small market with fresh food for neighborhood grocery trips. She envisions a community garden one day where older folks and younger folks can come together to plan, maintain, harvest and more importantly, learn from each other.

The Spirit That Keeps Her Here

When I asked Ms. Payne what one of her favorite Alcy Ball memories was, she couldn’t nail down just one. “The big events and parties.” She said, with a smile in her voice. “All the neighbors coming back to visit and the fellowship.” That’s the best part and it’s why, at this point in her life, Ms. Payne confidently states, “I don’t want to be anywhere else.”