Twyla Jo Payeur

April 7, 1930 – August 5, 2025

Twyla Jo McConnell Payeur, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 95.

Born on April 7, 1930, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to Rolla Ervin McConnell and Pearl Troutner, Twyla lived a life defined by grace, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family.

As a young woman, Twyla spent her summers working at a lake resort, enjoying the rhythm of seasonal life and the friendships it brought. After graduating high school, she worked as a clerk in a bank, where her quiet diligence and precision were valued and respected.

On August 20, 1949, she married Richard Norman Payeur, beginning a loving and enduring marriage that would span more than six decades. After their marriage, Twyla joined Rich in supporting the family business—she handled the company payroll, playing an essential behind-the-scenes role while also managing the home and raising their children. Throughout Rich’s busy professional life, Twyla was his constant support, steady and selfless in every season.

In retirement, they traveled the country extensively in their RV, attending rallies and making lifelong friendships. Twyla especially loved preparing dishes to share at these gatherings—a small but meaningful expression of her hospitality. She was also Rich’s navigator, faithfully guiding their adventures with nothing more than a paper map—always getting them where they needed to go, both on the road and in life.

She is survived by her two loving daughters, Nancy Lucas (Mark) and Kathy Sweet, and her cherished grandchildren: Jeff Lucas (Becky), Kelly Lucas, Sara Ley, and Lisa Gay (Tommy). She was a proud great-grandmother to Courtney, Caitlyn, Gavin, and Theodore—each of whom brought joy and energy into her later years.

Twyla had a gentle and giving nature, remembered for the thoughtful, handwritten cards she sent for birthdays and Christmas, always with a personal message of love. She enjoyed playing cards and could often be found at the card table surrounded by friends and family, laughter filling the room. Though she may not have loved every pet that came through the door, she graciously put up with the many animals her children and grandchildren adored.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, and her beloved daughter Bonnie Sue Plummer, with whom she is now reunited.

Kelly remembers—you know how she used to get exasperated, sigh and say his name? That’s all I can hear right now. “RICH!”

Twyla’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Twyla’s be made to a charity of your choice.