Elvira Barnes Payton was born on June 6, 1933 in Alma, Ga. She was the daughter of the late Arthur & Lassie Mae Barnes. She graduated from Bacon County High School where she met and married Robert Lee McNair. From this union 3 daughters were born. They later relocated to Ft Lauderdale, FL where she was a faithful member of Piney Grove Baptist Church. She loved to sing and became a member of the choir.

In the early 60's, she went on to obtained her cosmetology license. It became her life's passion for the next 45 years. Through her work she created life long friendships. After her marriage to Robert Lee McNair dissolved she later met and married her late husband of many years, Eugene Payton.

She had many hobbies and outside interest. She loved to fish, she was an expert seamstress, a phenomenal cook, she loved the dog track & the jai a lai and spending time with her family making memories. Capturing each moment with her love of taking pictures.

Elvira lived her life as a protector, giver, comforter, giving grace and sound advice to everyone she touched. She was full of wisdom and love teaching each one of us life lessons. The pain of losing our "Angel" on earth is endless, but we know God is smiling from ear to ear saying, "Job Well Done!"

Elvira Barnes Payton was preceded in death by her Parents, Lassie Mae Barnes & Arthur Barnes; Daughter, Janice Lynn McNair; 2 Grandchildren, Chiquita Stroman & Precious Hall; Sisters, Eudale Barnes-Owens, Bernice Miley, Norma Jean Brinson, Runez Bradley; Brothers, Brady Barnes, Darryl Barnes & Billy Barnes.

She leaves to cherish her memories, 2 daughters: Rhonda Evans & Debra Hall; Sister, Vertie Mae Leonard; Sister-in-law, Faye Barnes of Douglas, Ga.; Brother-in-law, Fred Bradley of Miami, Fl.; 14 Grandchildren: Keitha Sharp, Robert Kevin McNair (Debra), Anton Brooks, Shevonda Stroman, Sedrah Brooks, Tanisha Hall, Latoya Brooks, Erica Brooks, Alphonso Brooks (Kantrell), Moses Hall IV, Ardell McIntyre, Kendrick McNair, Akya Hall, Joshua McNair; 46 great grandchildren, 35 great-great grandchildren, an exceptional niece Lassie Brinson & a host of nieces, nephews, cousins & loyal friends.