Tributes

23 Psalms The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most. Even when walking through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me, in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as an honored guest, blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards, I will live with you forever in your home. On August 5, 2024, an Angel eased into the home and took the hand of our beloved Mary Smith Payton. Mary, the oldest daughter of the late William Earl Smith and the late Mary Everette Smith was born January 8, 1938 in Tarboro, North Carolina. Mary graduated from Bethel Union High School in 1957 and attended Elizabeth City State Teachers College. Afterwards, she relocated to New York City and worked, while living with her Uncle Peter, Jr. and his wife. She then moved to Danbury, Connecticut and married the love of her life David Payton, Jr. on June 6, 1959. While living in Connecticut she was employed with Eagle Pencil Company for several years. Mary always challenged herself to achieve more. She obtained her cosmetology license and started her own beauty shop, which she built onto the back of her home. Mary also worked as a certified nursing assistant at Mediplex of Danbury. In Connecticut, Mary was a member of Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church, where she sang in the choir and attended many church conventions over the years. Later she became a member of Christ Temple Holiness Church, where her father-in- law was the pastor. There she served as an usher. In 1988 she moved back home to North Carolina, continued working as a cosmetologist in her own business, and worked as a certified nursing assistant until experiencing a decline in her health. Mary was a very giving person who would help anyone if she could. She especially loved supporting young people who were away at college and would send them cards with encouraging words. Mary was a member of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church. She served many years on the 1st Sunday Usher Board, as president of the Youth Ushers, Able Book Club, and secretary of the Sunday School. A loving mother to her children, Mary eagerly participated in all their endeavors, whether it was music, dance, school, or sports. She enjoyed watching basketball, especially the UConn Huskies. But she especially loved watching her son Ben play basketball as she coached the cheerleading team at Henry Abbott Technical School in Danbury, Connecticut. This assured her a front row seat to cheer him on! She was overjoyed and absolutely loved watching the Dallas Cowboys’ games with her daughter Sheila and her son-in-love Tim, whom she loved dearly. Mary was preceded in death by her parents William and Mary Smith, husband David Payton, Jr; siblings, Elizabeth Adams, William Earl Smith, Jr, Joseph Smith, Flint Smith, Seymour Smith, and grandchild, Benjamin Payton, Jr. Mary leaves to cherish her loving memories two daughters, Sheila Payton Jones (Timothy) of Winterville, NC, a daughter she reared Jacqueline Moore (Wimbley) of Bridgeport, CT; two sons, William David Payton (Gwen) of Greenville, NC, and Benjamin Warren Payton (Latonya) of Waterbury, CT; a step-son, David Anthony Greene (June) of Hesperia, CA; one sister, Evangeline Smith Wilson (James) of Greenville, NC; a godson, Corey Purvis of Danbury, CT; five grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Tributes

Ms. Mary Payton

January 8, 1938 - August 5, 2024