Betsy Thomas Payton

Betsy Jean Thomas Payton, a retired Orleans Parish Public School teacher, departed this life on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at Ochsner Medical Center Westbank at the age of 72. Mrs. Payton was a native and resident of Gretna, LA She was a graduate of L. B. Landry High School Class of 1959 earning the honor of class salutatorian, Dillard University and Tulane University where she received a Masters of Education degree. During her career as an educator Mrs. Payton served as ranking teacher, upper division chairperson, test coordinator, 504 coordinator and chairperson of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. As a "Prolific Writer" she chaired and led a team of educators in the writing of five Southern Association of Colleges and Schools review books during the five and ten year annual review. Wife of Alfred Payton, Jr. Devoted mother of Thomas W. (Lydia) Payton, Sr. of Flossmoor, IL, Elfrid M. (Danielle) and Aandre' T. Payton of Gretna, LA. Adored grandmother of Courtney, Ashley, Jasmine, Elfrid Jr., Shamyra, Erin, Brianna, Chelsea, Thomas II and Rachel. Daughter of Eula Thomas and the late Geraldine Peterson and David Thomas, Sr. Sister of Judy Thomas, Sherry (Timothy) Cloud, James, David, Jr. (Holly) and Elton Thomas, Sr. and the late Melva T. Roy, Leo Cooper and Terry Thomas, Sr. Sister-in-law of Larry (Olivia) Common and Michelle Thomas. Special aunt of Terri Lawrence, whom she loved like a daughter, Onzilee Cowart, Roland Roy, Jr. and Troy Cooper. Also survived by 1 great-grandchild and a host of cousins other relatives and friends. Betsy will be forever loved and missed. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers and members of New Hope Baptist Church, Regular Baptist Church, Apostolic Church of God of Chicago, IL and all neighboring churches; members of L. B. Landry Class of 1959 and faculty and staff of William J. Fischer Elementary Montessori Signature School are invited to attend the Funeral Service at New Hope Baptist Church, 434 7th Street, Gretna, LA on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 10:00a.m. Pastor Warren Johnson, officiating. Visitation will begin at 8:00a.m. until service time at the above named church. Interment: New Hope Cemetery-Gretna, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service 230 Monroe St., Gretna, LA To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com