Mary J. Payton

Mary Joyce Payton was born in 1951 in Bay Springs, Mississippi to George and Verdie Payton. She was the oldest of four children and during an early age the family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. Mary accepted Christ and was baptized by Rev. Alexander Bernard at Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church on 1960 Yandes Street. Mary attended school within the Indianapolis Public School System at schools #45, #60 and #43 and graduated from Shortridge High School in 1969. She was awarded the “Wallace Murray Switzer” scholarship to attend Ball State University. Throughout her life she lived and reflected a Christ centered life. While she remained devoted to following Christ, Mary was also brave, inquisitive for knowledge and independent as she traveled the world to Europe, Brazil, Japan, Africa, Bahamas and Jamaica. She was a tireless, active member of the Bread of Life Church as her kind, caring and supportive nature showed through her love for children, participation in community service and the nursing home ministry. Mary was employed with the United States Postal Service for 45 years before retiring in 2013. An “earthly Angel” is one of the many descriptions for Mary Payton and the blessing of knowing her is an example of God’s true love for us all. Words will never match the impact she has had on those around her, her infectious laugh (that wouldn’t allow her to finish a joke before she completed it) and mild mannered nature was truly something to marvel. Although we will miss her, the blessing to have loved her and to be loved by her will far out-weigh the grief of her passing. Mary is survived by her parents George and Verdie Payton, son Joshua Payton, brothers, Sam Payton, James Payton (Carolyn Payton), sisters Gloria Hurt (Herbert Hurt) and countless other family members and friends.