After graduating from Decatur High School, she went on to study Home Economics at Auburn University. Susan then wove textile samples for Avondale Mills, working in both Sylacauga and New York City.
Susan wed Bill Payton in 1976, going on to have two children. Not only was she a dedicated wonderful mother, but also was an always present school and community volunteer. She excelled at supporting her family through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Susan was an avid reader and was rarely found without a book. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, growing up at Grant Street Church of Christ, spending most of her life a member of the Sylacauga Church of Christ, and most recently the Wetumpka Church of Christ.
Susan was predeceased by her husband Bill, parents Ruth and Robert, and Aunt Elisabeth "Gigi". She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Payton, son Ben (Jordan) Payton, sister Carol Rietvelt, cousin Alex Farish, grandsons Rowan, Myles, and Mason Payton, "adopted" grandchildren James, Mitchell, Brantley, and Savannah Licina, fur-grandbabies Finley and Liberty, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Susan's memory may be made to BB Comer Memorial Public Library, 314 N Broadway Ave, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150 US, https://www.bbcomerlibrary.net/about-us/.
There will be a funeral service on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Radney Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga. The visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.
