Jean Ann Payton, 96, St. Clair, departed this life in St. Clair Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012.
Mrs. Payton was born in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 26, 1915, the daughter of Joel Denham Bolender and wife Martha, nee Carter.
She was united in marriage to Charles Raymond Payton Nov. 18, 1937, and three children came to bless the union.
Mrs. Payton is survived by her daughter, Judy Nantz and husband Bob, St. Clair; her son, Denny Payton and friend Dorothy, LaPeer, Mich.; three grandchildren, Kellie Frost, Indianapolis, Ind., Angie Hanson and husband Mike, St. Clair, and Regan Tierney and husband Ryan, Austin, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Haylie and Shelbie Butler, both of St. Clair; nieces; nephews; great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews; cousins; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Payton; her parents, Joel and Martha Bolender; one daughter, Sarah Jane Payton; and one brother, George Bolender.
Mrs. Payton was a Protestant, believing in the Lord as her savior. For most of her life, she was a homemaker, caring for her home and babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed quilting and embroidery, and her many quilts and embroidered pieces have become treasured family heirlooms.
She had pets in her younger years and continued to love animals. Mrs. Payton was a wonderful cook, as her family will testify to. She also loved to watch television and work jigsaw puzzles.
Above all else, her family was most important to her and the many precious memories they shared will be cherished by them forever.
Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 6, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair, with the Rev. Gary Daud officiating.
Interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Lonedell.
Memorials to the Franklin County Humane Society are preferred.
The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair.
