A Celebration of Life will be held for Mrs. Helen Payton, age 74 of Ruston, LA at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Temple Baptist Church with Bro. Gerald Nelson, Dr. Reggie Bridges, and Pastor Blake Allen officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Choudrant, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.
Helen Alphelia Davis Payton was born January 22, 1952 in Ruston, LA and passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, September 6, 2026 in Ruston, LA. Helen married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Danny Payton, and together they shared 57 years of marriage. Their love story began near Ruston at the Caraway Peach Stand, where Helen was spending time with friends when Danny and a friend rode up on a motorcycle. Helen thought Danny was “the cutest,” and from that simple encounter began a love story that would span nearly six decades. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to one another.
Helen was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and few things brought her more joy than her family. As a mother, she was a constant encourager who made her children feel as though they could accomplish anything they set their minds to. That same love and encouragement extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen made it a priority to be present for the important moments in their lives. If someone she loved had a special event, she would go to almost any length to be there—even if it meant traveling 13 hours just so she wouldn’t miss it.
More than anything, Helen loved the Lord. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who loved His church with a generous and selfless heart. Helen was a faithful member of GracePoint Baptist Church, which she dearly loved and considered family. She also had a special love for Temple Baptist Church, where she served as an administrative assistant for over 10 years, before recently retiring. Helen often spoke of how blessed she was to have two church families.
For Helen, serving the church was never simply a job or an obligation—it was an expression of her love for Christ and for people. She especially loved serving in children’s ministry and invested countless hours caring for, teaching, and encouraging children. Those who knew her also knew that Helen’s love sometimes came with a little correction. It was affectionately said, “You knew Helen loved your kid if she corrected them.” If there was something she could do to help her church or someone in it, Helen was willing to do it. Helen lived her life to the fullest and her joy, laughter, encouragement, and unmistakable personality brought warmth to the lives of those around her.
Helen was preceded in death by her beloved son, Richard “Richie” Wayne Payton; great-grandson, Olan Cline Payton; parents, John C. and Una Bell Long Davis; sisters, Louise Hancock and Linda Gay McElduff; and brothers, John Everett Davis, Charles Davis, and Harvey Davis.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 57 years, Danny Payton; son, Marty Payton and wife Tracy of Salisbury, North Carolina; daughter, Rachel Nelson and husband Matthew of Ruston; grandchildren, LeAnna Taylor and husband Colby of Salisbury, North Carolina, Lacy Hines and husband Mike of Chicopee, Massachusetts, Lucas Payton and wife Taryn of Salisbury, North Carolina, Justin Nelson and wife Ora of Ruston, Kalea Trull and husband Braxton of Ruston, Garrett Nelson of Ruston, and Siler Nelson of Ruston. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren; her brother, Virgil Davis and wife Yvette of Jonesboro, Louisiana; beloved great-niece, Micah Rigsby, who lovingly called Helen “Grandma”; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whom she loved dearly.
One of Helen’s favorite passages of Scripture was Psalm 121:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
Those words beautifully reflect the faith by which Helen lived. Her family grieves deeply because they loved her deeply, but they grieve with hope. The Savior Helen loved and served throughout her life is the Savior she is now with, and there is comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her son Richie, her great-grandson Olan, and the loved ones who went before her.
Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Nelson, Lucas Payton, Siler Nelson, Garrett Nelson, Colby Taylor, Braxton Trull, and Mike Hines.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston. If you would like to leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit: www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com
