About Lucille N. Payne

I’m Lucille. Many of you know me as Ceil.

I was born in Brooklyn, NY, worked in Manhattan for five years as a steno, had two sons and was a stay-at-home mother as they grew. We moved to Northern California in the 1980s where I trained to be a color analyst. At the time, my favorite color palette was autumn. I was disappointed to learn I was a winter, but have learned to love those colors.

When I became an empty-nester in my 40s, I decided to begin college - graduating with a B.A. in Women's Studies and minor in History six months before my 50th birthday.

During school, photography and writing were my creative outlets. Seeing an image suddenly emerge from a pan of liquid chemicals was as thrilling as composing a compelling scene. 

As a spouse at my husband’s corporate events, I was often asked what would I do with a degree in Women’s Studies? Not sure at the time, I said, “I’d be a better voter!” Most men shrugged and walked away. But most of their wives wound their way back to me, curious about my classes.

It was interesting to see the thirst these women had for understanding their place in our society. That’s when I decided to write about women’s issues.

My unofficial education continued in California as a newsletter editor, and gender equity reporter for local branches of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the American Association of University Women (AAUW), respectively. I also took volunteer training with Battered Women’s Alternatives.

We moved to Delaware in 2007. A past Board member of People’s Place, in Milford, Delaware, I continue to support their SAFE, and Abriendo Puertas (Opening Doors), programs providing safe environments, shelter and community support for English and Spanish-speaking survivors of domestic violence.

I’m also a fundraising sponsor for Delaware Womenade, Inc., Bethany Beach, Delaware, and HOPE Family Services in Bradenton, FL helping local domestic violence survivors.