Jean Eunice (Stewart) Payton

Jean Eunice (Stewart) Payton was born on April  6, 1933, in Glasgow, Scotland. She was Promoted to Glory on June 9, 2023, in St. Charles, IL 

Eunice was the daughter of David and Marion Stewart. Her family emigrated to the United States in 1951, entering at Ellis Island, New York. They settled in Chicago, attending the Mont Clare (Norridge) Salvation Army Corps (church), where David became the bandmaster. 

Eunice married the love of her life, Donald Payton, in February 1957. They had three children: Greg, Beverly, and Alan. Don and Eunice were devoted to each other and their family, whether living in Chicagoland, Denver, CO or Grand Rapids, MI. They were active Salvation Army soldiers in each town, and both worked for the Salvation Army in Chicago and Denver. 

Eunice had the gift of hospitality, and a talent for making everything lovely. She was often the hostess at events both large and small. She cut the cake at many Salvation Army and family weddings, and no one did it better! She took on the important role of greeter at several corps, making sure that everyone felt welcome and knew what to do. She was always serving others.

Eunice loved music. She sang soprano in the songsters (choir) at each corps she attended. She was the Songster Leader at the Fulton Heights Corps in Grand Rapids until she returned to the Chicago area, where she continued to sing with the Norridge Songsters if she knew the number being sung. She loved Salvation Army bands, and Scottish bagpipes. She took great joy in the musical talents of her children and grandchildren.

Eunice loved Jesus, her family, and her church. She was a proper Scottish lady, with a wee bit of mischief. She was small in stature, but mighty in will and spirit. She was greatly loved on this earth, and her sweet presence will be missed by many . We rejoice in the knowledge that she is with her Savior in Heaven for eternity. 

Eunice (Stewart) Payton is preceded in death by her father David Stewart, mother Marion Stewart, stepmother Elizabeth Stewart, husband Donald Payton, and son Alan Payton. She is survived by her brother David (Elizabeth) Stewart, son Greg (Susan) Payton, daughter Beverly (Paul) Smith, six grandsons and four great grandsons. 

Plans for a celebration of life service will be shared at a later date.    

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