Biography

Deborah Payne

Vocals

When asked about her favorite part of being a member of Eyeris, Deb Payne is sure to reply, "[In Eyeris] God gave me some of my best friends to encourage me through my teenage years. I had guy-friends who wanted to maintain my purity instead of stealing it; this was a huge blessing from God." Originally born in Fairfax, Virginia, Deb, like Jesse Hall, the band's acoustic guitarist, grew up as a 'PK', or 'Pastor's Kid'. "Mom tells me that when I was three, I was at VBS, and the teacher asked if anyone wanted to invite Jesus into their heart. I raised my hand, but Mom didn't know if it was real or not, because I was so young. Shortly after that, I did something wrong, and my mom again wondered if my decision had been genuine. But when she came to discipline me, instead of struggling against her like she had been used to, I submitted. It was at that point that my mom knew that I had truly become a Christian. Ever since that time, I've had a desire to please my parents and God. I've fallen many times, but I do strive to serve God."

Deb's singing started early, in music club at her father's church. "My parents and Mrs. Woll [Music Club Director] realized that God had gifted me, and encouraged me to become skillful." Deb also played the piano for almost ten years, but her true love had always been singing, and she took voice lessons for many years, and continued to do so in college. Somewhere in the middle of it all, she was approached by Paul and Wade Stadig, members of the band. "Paul and Wade asked me to visit practice and sing for them, since they had heard me sing specials at church", Deb recalls. "I was afraid that they wouldn't want a girl-singer, because I had heard that a couple of them didn't like groups with girl-singers." She visited nonetheless, and immediately became a part of the band.

"Obviously, using the gift that God gave me to minister to others has been very rewarding, but a big reason why God put me in Eyeris was to meet Jamey. We became best friends, and eventually we began to think about marriage." Now married, Deb enjoys taking care of her husband and daughter, and teaches a second-to-fourth-grade science class each week. Her goals in life are simple: "To be a Proverbs 31 woman".

One of Deb's most obvious qualities is a thankful heart. "I want to say that I've appreciated Lina Stanly for being a friend who encouraged me to serve God and not go in the other direction. I have been very blessed by my parents - I couldn't ask for better parents - who directed me as an arrow. I don't know where I'd be without that direction. I really appreciate Luke Godshall, and what he did in directing the youth group for so many years. And I love Jamey and Freedom; I'm so blessed to have them in my life."

Favorite Eyeris Song: "Savior - the words and music mean so much."

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 53 and 1 Corinthians 13

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