Anne-Marie Payen, affectionately known as “Tiya” and “Sweet-Talkin’,” passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born on July 10, 1950, in La Vallée de Jacmel, Haiti, to Maria Boursiquot and Fortuna Payen, she was the cherished granddaughter of Marietta Jean Louis.

From her early years, Tiya’s radiant spirit and boundless passion for the arts illuminated every path she walked. Her educational journey began at Congreganiste de St. Paul School in her hometown, where her love for theater blossomed. Embracing her calling, she became a theater professor at the private school her mother led as Principal, nurturing young talents with the same warmth and dedication that defined her essence.

Her quest for artistic mastery led her to Port-au-Prince, where she immersed herself in the vibrant world of art at Marie Auxilliatrice. Ever the culinary enthusiast, Tiya also delved into the delicate crafts of pastry cooking and tailoring, weaving creativity into every endeavor.  

In the heart of Haiti’s industrious landscape, Tiya contributed her skills to Transvag, a prominent cassette tape manufacturing factory. Yet, her entrepreneurial spirit knew no bounds. She transformed a rented city venue into a sanctuary of theatrical expression for local children, often casting her own daughters in enchanting performances that echoed with familial love. Beyond the stage, she invigorated her community by empowering locals to engage in commerce, fostering economic growth through collective enterprise.

Upon her migration to Brooklyn, New York, Tiya’s entrepreneurial flame burned brightly as she curated and sold Haitian art to Manhattan’s tourists, each piece accompanied by her captivating storytelling. In the late 1990s, she found a new home in Miami, Florida, dedicating herself to the hospitality industry as a housekeeper. Her unwavering work ethic was unparalleled; she never missed a day, nor called in sick, embodying resilience and commitment. 

After retiring, Tiya relocated to Port Charlotte, Florida, where she spent her final days surrounded by the warmth of her family and the serenity of her community. Even in retirement, her heart remained tethered to her roots in Jacmel, Haiti. Tiya continued to support and uplift her hometown community, ensuring that her legacy of generosity and care endured until her last breath.

Tiya’s presence was a symphony of boisterous humor and charisma, earning her the endearing nickname “Sweet Talkin’.” Her raw comedic energy, open heart, and generous nature illuminated the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

As a mother, Tiya’s love knew no limits. She nurtured five accomplished daughters: Rosena Landais, Marie-Nicole Boursiquot Cherubin, Beatrice Fontal, Islande Edouard-Noel, and Kisha Eugene. Through her marriage to her late husband, Wifrance Dile, she embraced three additional children: Marco Dile, Celine Guerrier Noel, and Marc Dile, extending her boundless love and wisdom.

She is now reunited with her beloved siblings Wilfred Payen and Robert Dessources and great-grandchildren Kiara and Kiana Onyemaechi who preceded her in death, and leaves behind her cherished older siblings Louis Lauture, Riche Payen, and Rosette Merilia. 

Tiya held a special place as the devoted godmother and aunt to Alexandra Sandra Dessources, daughter of her late younger brother Robert Dessources and his wife Joycelyn Orelus.

Her legacy flourishes through her 17 adored grandchildren: Andreana Rose Onyemaechi, Moseline Ashley Fontal, Bryan Carmelo Fontal, Roosevelt Andrew Cherubin Jr., Maryann Zhade-Star Wright, Rockelle Landee Noel, Mosunna Andre Landais, Jaelienne Desiree Noel, Richard Devon Noel, Isaiah Rocko Noel, Joshua Noel, Thamarha Hope Landais, Gardsendy Dile, Rondai Dile, Gaia Dile, Mekhi Corinthians Eugene, and Messiah Lifranc Eugene, and her precious great-grandchild, Kaelani Sky Onyemaechi.

Tiya’s extended family was vast and deeply cherished, including her best friend and cousins Petyon Payen and Moises Payen, with whom she shared daily heartfelt conversations. Her familial embrace extended to her numerous in-laws, nephews, nieces, and cousins from the Payen, Boursiquot, Lauture, Dessources, Printemp, Pierre, Jean-Louis, Merilia, Joseph, Dure, Delouche, Fontal, Noel, Eugene, Vilvert, and Berthol families.

Tiya’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of unwavering dedication, entrepreneurial brilliance, and an all-encompassing love for her family and community. Her memory will forever be a beacon of inspiration, guiding those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her luminous spirit.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.