Christina Payton of 308 West Elwood Avenue died Saturday, August 4, 2012 in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center at the age of 42.
Known as Chris to her friends and family, she was born in San Diego, California on December 17, 1969 to Larry Stewart and Juanita Davis Stewart. She passed away on Friday while running in her neighborhood. She graduated from the Lincoln County School System as valedictorian in 1988. She continued her education at the University of Georgia and spent a summer as a YMCA camp counselor in Dupree, South Dakota. It was there that she met Bill Payton, a man who would be devoted to Chris for the rest of her life. They were married in Athens, Georgia, in 1992, and Chris graduated from UGA in 1993. A devoted homemaker, she accompanied and supported Bill throughout multiple duty stations with the US Army in Europe and the Southeast, including multiple tours at Fort Bragg. His most current assignment as an Army Chaplain at Camp Mackall brought them back to Raeford, where they raised sons Hunter and Noah. She pursued her own career as an Art teacher in Geissen, Germany, and in Hoke County Schools, first at Upchurch Elementary and most recently at Mclauchlin Elementary. She was an experienced and articulate grant writer, securing several grants during her tenure in Hoke County Schools to supplement funding for her classrooms. She was beloved by her students and coworkers, who enjoyed her bright and infectious smile, her sardonic wit, and her genuinely kind and compassionate nature. She enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid supporter of local Boy Scouts of America troops. Through the Boy Scouts, she was inducted into the Order of the Arrow and earned the coveted Wood Badge. She was also a skilled gardener and enjoyed hobbies as varied as basket weaving, photography, and making paracord "survival" bracelets. A devoted Christian woman, her greatest joy was found in caring for and spending time with "her men", and protecting and nurturing her family was her highest priority.
Survivors include her husband William Payton and two sons, Hunter Payton and Noah Payton all of Raeford; her father, Larry Stewart and her mother, Juanita Davis Stewart both of Lincolnton, Georgia; and two sisters, Doris Lankford on Lincolnton, Georiga, and Margie Stewart of Augusta, Georgia.
A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 9, 2012 at Rockfish Church, 9949 Fayetteville Road Raeford, NC 28376 with Chaplain Steve Bryant officiating.
Visitation will follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America by going to http://aplacetogive.scouting.org/magento/, and/or any Autistic Research Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com