Edna Payton Obituary
Edna transitioned into Eternal rest on February 07, 2026 at 10:47 am to live with the Saints and her Heavenly Father.
Edna was educated in the Winterville, North Carolina School System. Shortly after graduation Edna was employed with the old Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina for several years.
Edna relocated to New Jersey in the early sixties and was employed in various professions. After living in New Jersey for several years, she met and fell in love with the love of her life, marrying Clinton Payton on November 26 1966 and relocating to the Washington, D.C. area.
Edna was a retired employee of the Federal Government after serving forty years working at Patent And Trademark Office in Alexandria Virginia.
Edna received numerous awards including recognition awards, monetary awards Distinguished Civilian Service Award and honorary awards.
Edna had a warm smile and a kindred spirit that radiated love to everyone she met. She was gentle, kind and caring. Her sense of humor brought joy into the lives of many. Edna never met a stranger because she enjoyed meeting new people and having conversations.
Edna loved gardening, traveling, decorating their home, shopping, listening to Gospel music and cooking southern cuisine.
She leaves to cherish her kind and loving memory: Her husband, Clinton Earl Payton, Sister, Belinda Bryant, Brother, James Gardner, Brother-in-laws, Milton Bryant and John Payton, Sister-in-law, Burnette Payton, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, Hazel Hill, Earlene Malloy, Patricia Johnson, Nicolle Scrivne and acquaintances.
Edna was preceded in death by her loving parents, Eddie and Dorothy Gardner, Brothers, Clifton, Bennie, Kenneth and Ronnie Gardner.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday February 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. followed by Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. at Don Brown Funeral Home. Address: 497 Second Street, Ayden, NC 28513 Burial will follow in Homestead Memorial Gardens in Greenville, NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Marcus Pridgen
February 17, 2026
My condolences for your loss Edna was a true friend and a wonderful co-worker from the patent office
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From the staff of Lewis Funeral Home
February 10, 2026
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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