of Jonesboro, AR
July 18, 1926 - August 9, 2020
Mary Lou Payton, 94, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2020, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. She was born July 18, 1926, in Jonesboro to the late Luke and Lucinda (Cash) Calkin. Mary was a teacher and retired from the Crowley's Ridge Development Council. She was a member of the Central Baptist Church and loved sewing, music, dancing, and art.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Luke and Lucinda; her husband, Ray Payton; sons, Donald Payton and Ricky Payton; grandchild, Loren Letner; great grandchild, Hoyt VanOven; brothers, Steven, Robert, Edward, John, William, Paul and Luke Calkin, Jr; sisters, Emmer Bise, Alice Johnson, Clare Gasaway, Lorene Evans and Helen Calkin; and daughter-in-law, Rene Payton.
Left to cherish her memory are sons, Larry (Kathleen) Payton, Mike (Charolette) Payton, and Dennis (Karan) Payton, all of Jonesboro; twelve grandchildren, Darren Payton, Jamie Payton, Jennifer Wiley, Amanda Kersey, Mark Payton, Timmy Payton, Deeda (Brad) Lovett, Brian (Jennifer) Payton, Crystal (Matt) Lawless, Nicole (Thomas) McLure, and Christopher (Samantha) Payton; twelve great grandchildren, Josh Kersey, Monica Leighann, Elizabeth (Jonathan) Spohr, William Lovett, Wesley Lovett, Kathryn Payton, Isabell Payton, Payton Lawless, Madelyn Lawless, Hayden Payton, and Hudson McLure; five great-great grandchildren, Gracelyn Spohr, Kyra Spohr, Wyatt Spohr, Peyton Leighann, and one additional great-great grandchild.
Funeral services for Mary will be held 1:00 pm, Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, 1900 W Washington Ave, Jonesboro, with Bryce Holmes officiating. Burial will follow at Strawfloor Cemetery.
Pallbearers will include Darren Payton, Mark Payton, Timmy Payton, Brian Payton, Christopher Payton, and Blake Campbell. Honorary pallbearers are Dick Valenzuela and Fred Heider.
Visitation will be held the night prior, Wednesday August 12, 2020, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, https://www.stbernards.info/foundation/donations.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to fifty individuals at one time, while observing social distancing guidelines. All attendees must furnish and wear their own masks before entering the building.
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6 Condolence(s)
Lynn Lovett
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Larry and Kathleen, we are very sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet lady and we know she was so proud of you! We know you will miss her.
Keeping you in our thoughts.
Lynn and Glenn
Joyce Neyman
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
To the family of Mary. I have know Mary for many years through working at Central and Sunday School. She was a special lady. She always came to the Military Ball where my band played and I appreciated her friendship. So sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you as you go through this time of sorrel.
Pauline Calkin
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Aunt Mary Lou was a wonderful person to be around with her spirit of fun and the love she had for her family. Rest in Peace
Patsy, Stephanie & Osro Calkin
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Praying for God’s peace and comfort. We’re sorry we cannot be with you physically but know we are there in spirit. We love you all 🙏🙏🙏
Jennifer Walker
Monday, August 10, 2020
Jenny and I are truly saddened by the loss of such a wonderful aunt. Mary Lou was always a joy to be around. Memories of our family get togethers keep flooding over me and remembering all the love ones we have lost and how I could always hear Mary Lou laughing at something. Rest In Peace Auntie!
Susan DiGaetano
Monday, August 10, 2020
My prayers are with your family! Rest In Peace Aunt Marylou!!