Mr. James E. Payton

PAYTON, Mr. James E. - Age 74, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Genesys Convalescent Home. Family hour 10 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church, 2120 N. Saginaw St., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Pastor Keith Bigelow officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Association, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10 a.m. Saturday. Mr. Payton will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, with family present 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Mr. James Earl Payton was born on July 30, 1940 in Mason, Tennessee, the son of Henry and Ida Mae (Harris) Payton. He graduated from Fayetta County Training School in 1958. He moved to Flint, Michigan in the early 60’s, where he met and married Christine the love of his life. They were married for 47 years and had two children. He was employed by General Motors for over 30 years, he received several awards for Good Attendance and Quality Improvement. James was a faithful member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the Security Ministry and as a Laymen until his health failed. He was a member of Dailey/Dolan Block Club and participated in many activities including Neighborhood Patrols. James enjoyed playing solitaire, other card games and listening to his hometown radio station. He took great pride in spoiling his grandkids and attending their sporting events. James had a kind and giving heart, and often tried to be the peacemaker of the family. Mr. James Earl Payton leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Christine (Henderson) of Mt. Morris, MI; daughter, Tracy (Steven) Lester of Swartz Creek, MI; son, James Eric (Wanda) Payton of Laurel, MD; grandchildren, Deja, Diamond, Destinee, Drew, and Dominique Lester, all of Swartz Creek, MI and Demetra (Chris) Crawford of Laurel, MD; great-grandchildren, Jahlil, Jaylen, Journey, and Justin Crawford, all of Laurel, MD; sister, Willie Bea Payton of Somerville, TN; numerous nieces and nephews; 2 aunts, Virginia Woods of Iowa City, IA and Pearline Cunningham of Dewitt, AR; 2 uncles, Lonnie (Ernestine) Davis of Flint and U.S. Davis of Holly Grove, AR; 5 sisters-in-law; 5 brothers-in-law; a host of other relatives and friends including special friends Mack Gentry and James Luster. Mr. Payton was preceded in death by: parents, Henry and Ida Mae (Harris) Payton, 4 brothers, Joseph, Harold, and William Payton and Fred Taylor. The family would like to express special thanks to DaVita of Mt. Morris, MI, Dr. Tommy Stevens and staff and Dr. Hameem Changezi.

Mr. James E. Payton

July 30, 1940 - January 3, 2015