Helen Bernice Payton

Helen Bernice Payton, daughter of the late George Edward and Lavinia Elizabeth Porter Crest, was born in New Madrid, Missouri on February 5, 1937, and passed away at the Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau on December 31, 2015, at the age of 78 years, 10 months and 26 days. Mrs. Payton had lived in St. Louis before moving to the Bloomfield & Dexter areas in 1971. She was retired from Arvin Automotive after 23 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield. She enjoyed gardening, decorating, flowers and reading. She was first married to Carroll David Noland and he preceded her in death on July 4, 1971. On June 15, 1985 she married Bobby G. Payton near Bloomfield, Missouri. Surviving are her husband, Bobby G. Payton of Dexter, Missouri; one daughter, Debra Carol Smith of Dexter; five grandchildren & spouses, Amanda & Billy Woodall of Wardell, Missouri, Kristin & Gary Jackson of Kennett, Missouri, Jarred & Heather Elsworth of Qulin, Missouri, Angela & Eddie Hartline and Kyle Smith all of Dexter, Missouri; ten great grandchildren; and two honorary daughters, Patricia Mordis and Ruby McCord both of DeSoto, Missouri. Other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Diana Gail Elsworth and one brother, Donald Ray Crest. Friends may call from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 4, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Darby of Malden, Missouri officiating. Interment will follow in the Harper Cemetery near Aid, Missouri. Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri in charge of all arrangements.