Judith Muniz "Judy" Payton (née Lopez) died peacefully surrounded by her family in Crittendon Hospital on the night of August 9 in Rochester, Michigan at the age of 84. Judith is survived by her husband Dr. Gladstone A. Payton, Sr; children, Rebecca M. Short; Gladstone A. Payton, Jr and Philip Andrew Payton; siblings, Delores Ramos and Jose Ramos and grandchildren, Maria Muniz; Olivia Judith Short and Campbell Judith Payton. She is preceded in death by her eldest son, Jairo M. Muniz who passed away earlier this year. Judy was born on October 11, 1931 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Domingo and Julia Lopez and later moved to New York City, New York. She had two children by her late husband Clemente Muniz, Jairo and Rebecca, later attending and graduating from Atlantic Union College (AUC) in South Lancaster, Massachusetts in 1961 receiving a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and later became a registered dietician. She also went on to receive at BSN degree in pediatric nursing and was head pediatric nurse at Saint Joseph East in Mount Clemens, Michigan while Gladstone was interning at Mount Clemens General Hospital. Judy met Gladstone at AUC and he would become the love of her life until her passing. Over a period of time the couple welcomed two more children, Gladstone, Jr. and Philip before moving to Sterling Heights, Michigan. Her children remember her as a kind but fearless protector and nurturer who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and reach their fullest potential. Her sacrifices were many in supporting them and her husband's medical practice and also his U.S Navy service. "Saint" Judy was generous, kind, unselfish to a fault, a tireless advocate for her children, husband, siblings, grandchildren and friends. She was a dedicated mother and wife who was not bashful to regale you with new pictures of her grandchildren or the accomplishments of those she loved. Judy had friends and family of all faiths, religions, creeds and cultures but was a dedicated member of the Troy SDA Church which had a special place in her spiritual life even as she was unable to recently attend regular services. All those who came in contact with her will always remember her big heart, often extending all she could physically and emotionally to those who needed her and her passing resonates across to the entire community. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. on August 15 at Will & Schwarzkoff Funeral Home, 233 Northbound Gratiot Ave, Mt Clemens, MI 48043 a reception to follow at Fernhill Golfclub. Pastor Travis Smith will give the homily at the service followed remarks at the internment by Dr. Payton's younger brother Pastor Ralph G. Payton. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Judy's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Troy SDA Church, 2775 Crooks Road, Troy Michigan 48084 marked for "Sabbath School Missions." Condolences can be sent to the Payton Family at jmpjoy7@att.net. The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Stewart and the staff of Crittendon Hospital for their dedication and efforts in providing for Judy in her last hours.
Visiting hours are on Sunday, August 14 from 4-8:00p.m.