From Your Loving Wife
\You were a loving husband and a wonderful father, deeply spiritual and full of integrity. Every day, I knew I was loved and cared for, and you made me feel truly special. I felt your unwavering love daily, and through it all, you were my best friend and partner. For over 57 years, we shared a lifetime of experiences, growing together in love and faith. You taught me so much about life with your charisma, wisdom, and strong character. You always treated me with kindness and respect, the way every woman deserves to be treated. I will forever cherish the love, memories, and lessons we shared. You were my everything, and I will always love you, Wendell Pop Payton.
Your Loving Wife, Lenora
~ Acknowledgements
~
Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the many expressions of kindness, concern, and sympathy during this difficult time. We are thankful for each of you and pray God will continue to bless you. We extend a special thank you to Dr. Ralph Taylor and Dr. Randy Villanueva, who served as his primary physicians, his favorite memory care assisted living caregivers who treated him like family, Methodist Hospice Residence for your love, care, and support shown to our family over these last few weeks; and Rudolph Myers for your dedication and unselfish kindness joining us weekly to care for him. You will always be remembered in our hearts.
~ Active
Pallbearers
~
Andre Dean
Charles Gordon
James Reed Jr.
Leviticus Pointer
Martin Truitt
Michael Saine
~ Interment & Committal
Rites
~ Monday, December 30, 2024 • 11:00 A.M.
Historic Elmwood Cemetery 824 S. Dudley Street Memphis, Tennessee 38104
~ Repast ~ Immediately following the Service Orange Mound Community Center
Life’s Reflections
Mr. Wendell Payton was born on March 21, 1948, to Thelma and Eddie Payton Sr. in Memphis, Tennessee. At an early age, Wendell accepted Christ and became a devoted member of Mt. Pisgah CME Church. Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to his faith, serving in various roles, including member of the usher board and finance committee, chairman of Men’s Day, and devoted Sunday School leader.
Wendell attended Melrose High School, where he was a proud member of the Melrose Twelve Years Society, graduating in 1966. He went on to pursue higher education at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in May 1970.
On March 30, 1969, Wendell married the love of his life, Lenora Gross. Their union of 55 years was a testament to devotion and partnership, and they were blessed with one daughter, Wendy LaMia, who was his pride and joy and his namesake.
Wendell’s professional journey was marked by dedication and success. Early in his career, he worked for Pacific Financial Group before transitioning to sales at Monroe Business Systems. His career path took him to Atlanta, Georgia, where he served in management for Roadway Freight. He later returned to Memphis and joined IBM, working in sales and marketing until his retirement. Wendell’s entrepreneurial spirit continued post-retirement, with successful ventures in banking, television, and insurance sales, as well as owning his own agency with Farmers Insurance.
Wendell was an avid golfer from an early age, starting as a caddy. He later achieved the remarkable milestone of a hole-in-one. He was a historian, community activist, and lifelong learner who found joy in reading, music, and church activities. His love for sports, particularly baseball, stemmed from his childhood playing under his father’s leadership as a coach for a neighborhood team sponsored by WDIA radio.
Wendell was a passionate advocate for his community, serving as a liaison for Lane College and Mt. Pisgah CME Church. He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., initiated in the spring of 1968 through the Beta Lambda Chapter at Lane College. He later joined the Memphis Alumni Chapter, where he remained an active and committed lifetime member until his passing.
One of Wendell’s most notable achievements was narrating the acclaimed PBS documentary, “A Community Called Orange Mound,” which brought national recognition to the historic Memphis neighborhood. Wendell leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his family, community, and fraternity.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Lenora G. Payton, with whom he shared over 55 years of love and partnership; his beloved daughter, Wendy (Reginald); and two special bonds by heart, Edgar Gaines and Sylvia Gray. He is also survived by his loving sister, Carolyn P. Townsend; his brother, Joseph Payton; sister-in-law, Almeda Nelson; brother-in-law, Nora Gross; a host of nieces and nephews; other family members and close friends who were blessed by his kindness and wisdom. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Eddie Payton Sr.; his brother, Eddie Payton Jr.; and his two sisters, Phyllis P. Evans and Patricia P. McNish.
To My Dad
A girl’s first love is her father, and what an amazing father you were. I always wanted to be in your presence because you were so much fun, very funny, and extremely smart. In my eyes, you knew everything. You had so much love and wisdom that I wanted to share you with others. So many were blessed to have you in their lives and to be able to witness firsthand how you unselfishly cared for others. You were my everything, and I knew I was yours. I will forever hear you say, “Hey baby!” and see your big smile as your way of always greeting me, even until your final day. It melted my heart to see you still trying to say it and smile. I have no regrets for how we loved each other, out loud and unapologetically. I knew I was loved unconditionally, and you knew I loved you unconditionally. My last words to you were, “Daddy, do you love me? I know you do, and I love you too.”
Your Baby, Wendy
Washington
