Wanda Lou Payton, 80, of Minford, died peacefully Thursday, August 14, 2025 at SOMC Hospice, amongst generations of loved ones. She was born January 4, 1945 in Portsmouth, to the late William E. and Lilly R. (Mossbarger) Tackett.
Wanda worked at Big Lots as a manager and loved to play Bingo, and when she was able, she was an avid bowler. In her younger years, she played softball in several leagues, including playing with her husband.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Roy Payton, whom died on September 26, 2021, a brother, Buddy Tackett, a sister, Ruth Edwards, and a brother-in-law, Gary Nylund.
Wanda is survived by her four children, David Payton of Minford, Roy Eugene Payton Jr., of Minford, Becky Hannah (Mike) of Minford, and Judy “Sis” Payton-Sherman (Perry) of Minford, two brothers, Jack Tackett (Debbie) of Portsmouth and Gerald “Toot” Tackett (Vivian) of Columbus, a sister, Gayle Nylund of Portsmouth, a brother-in-law, Larry Edwards of Portsmouth, a special friend, Jonna Bainer, and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by all of her dear grandchildren that she adored, 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 12:00 PM Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Franklin Furnace. A visitation for friends and family will be on Wednesday, one hour before the service, starting at 11:00 AM.
