Lucile Payton

Lucile Payton, 92, went to be with her Lord and Savior on the morning of Saturday, September 23, 2017.

Mrs. Payton was born on February 5, 1925 in Ringgold, Georgia. She grew up in Ringgold, but spent much time visiting her sister, Willie Mae in Chattanooga. After high school, Mrs. Payton moved in with her sister and there she met her husband, Claude. She boldly walked up and introduced herself to him while he was working underneath a car. They courted for a short time before soon taking off to Georgia to be married. For 75 years, Mrs. Payton faithfully served her husband and children as a devoted wife, dedicated mother, and wonderful homemaker.

The Payton family frequently moved around with Mr. Payton’s career in the first years of their marriage. He first served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, then his Civil Service work took them to Mobile, Alabama, and then finally to Warner Robins where they permanently settled. Mrs. Payton was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church and enjoyed crafts, sewing, and exercising in the gym.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.

Mrs. Payton’s memory will forever be treasured by her devoted husband of 75 years, Claude C. Payton, Sr.; children, Pat Payton Knotts of Byron, Claude Payton, Jr. (Jeannie) of Omaha, Nebraska, Charles Edward Payton (Marilyn) of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Denise Payton Bush of Byron; 8 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2017 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Craig Hutto will officiate. Afterwards, Mrs. Payton will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Lucile Payton to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mrs. Payton’s arrangements.