Mrs. Mildred Payton Downs, age 96, of Keystone Heights Obituary

Mrs. Mildred Payton Downs, age 96, a longtime resident of Keystone Heights passed away at her home surrounded by family Thursday, October 31, 2019, following a brief illness. She was born October 10, 1923, in Orange Springs to Gordon and Frances (Broughton) Wimberly. Mrs. Downs was a manager for the Clay County Council on Aging and Nutrition Site for 18 years before retiring. She was a member of Freedom Baptist Church where she was active in the widows and seniors group, as well as a member of the encouragers Sunday school class. Mildred was an avid T.O.P.S. member for 42 years, and a volunteer for L.A.M.B.; she enjoyed fishing, puzzles, crafts, traveling and especially parasailing. She was also a talented seamstress and without question always helping others, but most of all she loved being with her family and friends. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by two husbands John D. Payton and Calvin Downs; sons Lamar and Jerry Payton; grandson Christopher Payton; seven brothers and two sisters. Left behind are three daughters and their husbands Helen Hersey (Dewitt) and Carole Lavon Sweeney (Rick) all of Keystone Heights and Sonya Taylor (Ed) of Okeechobee. She was also lovingly called “Grannie” by grandchildren Martin Hersey (Linda), Debi Villella, Julee Zbytniewski (Paul) and Aimee Hoop along with twelve great grandchildren. Also left behind are many nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends that will miss her dearly. Viewing for Mrs. Downs will be Monday, November 4, 2019, between 5 – 8 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at Freedom Baptist Church with Pastor Ken Herring and Pastor Jason Stephens officiating. Interment will follow at Gadara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Haven Hospice, 6400 St, Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. Walker Dr., Keystone Heights, FL 32656. (352)473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

Mrs. Mildred Payton Downs, age 96, of Keystone Heights

October 10, 1923 - October 31, 2019