Joyce Payton

Joyce Marie (Graziani) Payton, age 70, of Chillicothe, passed away on February 7, 2012, following a brave battle with brain cancer. She was born in San Francisco, CA, on May 4, 1941, to the late Egidio and Monica Graziani. Joyce graduated from Ohio State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her nursing career included more than 20 years at Adena Regional Medical Center. Joyce was married to Manuel R. Payton on May 8, 1965, and they shared 46 years together raising a devoted, loving family. In addition to her husband, Joyce is survived by her treasured children: Melanie A. Payton; Stephanie (Payton) Fischer; David A. Payton; their spouses: Jason Fischer; Ann (France) Payton; her grandchildren: Gwyneth and Cambell Payton; Isabella and Aidan Fischer; her sister Judy (Graziani) Courtney; many nieces and nephews and a loving circle of friends. She loved the outdoors and being a part of nature. Hiking, camping and photographing nature were some of her favorite activities. She was a member of the Sierra Club. In retirement, Joyce dedicated herself to serving the Chillicothe community. In 1992, she began volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. She enjoyed mentoring at Adena Elementary and other local schools and enjoyed assisting in her own children's classrooms. Joyce was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she taught CCD, served on parish council, volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister, and was a member of the Lazarus Committee. Joyce shared her talents and interests through her participation with cherished friends in several local groups. She was a member of the Rolling Hills Gardening Club and the Sew and Sews, which made quilts for several local nursing homes, and Nancy Nurses, a group of former OSU Nursing School graduates. Yoga and playing dominoes were also some favorite activities. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Monday, February 13, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 61 S. Paint St., Rev. Lawrence Hummer, Celebrant. Private burial will follow in St. Margaret Cemetery. Upon returning from the cemetery, the family wishes to invite those who knew and loved Joyce to a reception in celebration of her life at St. Mary Family Life Center, which is directly behind the church on E. 4th St. At that time, the family will welcome those with a story or thoughts about Joyce to share them with everyone. Friends may call Sunday from 3-6pm at Haller Funeral Home where a wake service will be held at 6pm. Joyce's family would like to thank all of the devoted caregivers who work at Highbanks Care Center, Columbus, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce's memory to Habitat for Humanity, 165 W. 4th St., Chillicothe, OH 45601; or Adena State Memorial, 848 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601. Condolences may be sent to the family at CaringBridge.org or to the Payton home.
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