Barbara Payton Edwards

Our Beloved Barbara Payton Edwards was born on November 25, 1960, to James Payton and Doretha Mabery Payton in Newark, New Jersey. Her family moved to New Haven, Connecticut, when she was four years old. Barbara was educated in the New Haven public school system. After graduating from Wilbur Cross High School, she furthered her education at Goodwin College. She earned a degree with honors in Early Childhood Education. She was passionate about her career and took much pride in her professional life. She was a caring person, loved young people, believed in the value of education and providing supportive services to those in need. She was employed at the New Haven Board of Education Lulac Head Start program, Veteran Administration childcare program, Montessori childcare center, Marrakech, and Continuum of Care. At a very early age, Barbara dedicated her life to Christ. She was a faithful member of Mount Zion Seventh-day Adventist Church and served on the Usher Board. Barbara loved the Lord and shared her faith and wisdom with those that surrounded her. She would often share a scripture, offer a prayer, and give all honor and praise to God. Barbara was blessed with special gifts of compassion, humility, sincerity, and love. She was admired for the love, guidance, and support she gave to her family and friends. Barbara was a second mother to many, and all were welcome in her home. All the children gathered at her house; she was everyone's favorite Auntie. She truly enjoyed her "Soul Food Sundays." She loved her family and enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and visiting with family. Barbara took the time to love her nieces and nephews. She spent a lot of time with her elders; Aunts, Uncles, and cousins, giving her love, care, and affection by frequently visiting and talking with them on the telephone. Barbara was devoted to keeping her family together. Barbara's love for her family and enthusiasm for life will be sorely missed. Her family will always cherish the wonderful memories she created with her loved ones. Barbara took pride in her appearance. She was a fashionista dazzling us with her great sense of style. She was always "sharp," flaunting her Afrocentric attire and color-coordinated outfits with matching shoes, purses, and jewelry. Her creative hairstyles and manicured nails completed her well put together look. She enjoyed going on bus trips to the casino, dancing, and listening to music. Her favorite musical artists were gospel singers Bebe and CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams. She enjoyed listening to old school R & B singers; Prince and Michael Jackson, and her favorite artist of today was John Legend. She adored and showered her grandchildren with love and attention. She took them to church, cookouts, family gatherings, and fun activities. The most important role in her life was being a mother and making sure God was ever-present in her children's lives. She took time and care to love all five of her children individually and collectively and knew exactly what each one needed. Barbara's love for her offspring manifested into a legacy of love and unity amongst her children and grandchildren that will carry on for generations to come. She leaves to mourn; her husband Marvin Edwards, children Tiheshia Payton, Lawrence Hopkins, Wilmot Kotey II, Sharon Javesa Fairweather, Vanisha Kotey, and a special niece she helped raise, Imoni Andrews. Her sister Karen Perkins, brothers Jerome Perkins and Grover Payton. She leaves nine grandchildren; Wilmot Kotey III, Zyaria Kotey, Tyrone Biggs, Ronnie Biggs, Armond Alston, Vashanti McKnight, Karter Kotey, Kameron Kotey, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Doretha Payton, her sister Susan Perkins, her brothers William Earl Perkins and James Payton Jr. They will greet her with open arms as she enters Heaven's realm, and she, in turn, will meet them with her radiant smile.

Barbara Payton Edwards

November 25, 1960 - September 10, 2021