Jennie P. (Estes) Payton

 Jennie P. Estes Payton, age 90, the jewel of the family and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and mother of the church, departed this life on January 14, 2018 after an extended illness. Jennie Estes was born on June 19, 1927 in Brownsville, Tennessee to the union of the late Howell T. and Willie Lou (Manns) Estes.

On November 25, 1947, Jennie and Elder Carey Payton were united in holy matrimony in Brownsville, Tennessee. Together, they raised a daughter, Shirley. Coming from Brownsville, Jennie and Elder Payton moved to South Bend, which Jennie made her home for over 70 years.  Jennie was a very active member of her church, where her husband officiated. Elder Payton preceded Jennie in death on April 20, 2003.

Mother Payton obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and worked for many years as a private duty nurse.  She later retired from nursing and worked as a beautician. Jennie enjoyed caring for and spoiling everyone she met. She cherished spending time with friends and family and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Jennie’s memories will be cherished by her daughter, Shirley (Elder Raymond Moore) Payton Clark Moore of South Bend, two grandsons, Robert Lamon Clark and Shannon Carey Clark, two guardian-grandsons, Richard (Teresa) Cromartie and Darrell Cromartie, fourteen great-grandchildren: Austin Jordan Clark, Malik Robert Clark, Shannon Christopher Clark, Jennifer Cromartie, Christine Cromartie, RJ Cromartie, Skylar Clark, Delaney Cromartie, Tate Clark, Brennon Cromartie, Tiffany Cromartie, Theresa Moore, Melinda Moore and Roberta Moore, as well as a special cousin, Robert Preston Estes and two sisters-in-law, Willie Lou Estes and Princess Powell. Jennie is also survived by a loving host of nieces, nephews and relatives: Alice Crumedy, Monella Shaw, Dorothy Simmons, Joyce Killbrew, Doris Gates, Renita Freeman and a special brother, Bro. William Hendrix, as well as many godchildren, Flora Carothers, Doris Sam, Beulah Jordan and many others.

Family members who preceded Jennie in death include her parents and husband, Elder Carey Payton, as well as Hattie Lena Manns, Annie Mae Jones, Norris Evans, Laura Lee, Hattie Elizabeth Waters, Velma Richmond, Lathell Estes, Earlene Estes, Preston Estes, Marian Cromartie, Marie Cromartie, Olivia Joyce Smith and others. 

“Sleep on, take your rest; God in Heaven knows best”.

Funeral services for Jennie Payton will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Lake Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, 202 S. Lake Street, South Bend. Elder Christopher Rogers will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Palmer Funeral Homes – West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., as well as from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial to follow the funeral service at Riverview Cemetery. 

Online condolences maybe left for the family of Jennie Payton at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

 Service Information