Payton Davis

Payton Davis, 57, of Ray City, GA, died suddenly, on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Floresville, TX. She was born in San Antonio, TX, on September 28, 1966, where she grew up. Payton graduated from East Central High School. In high school, Payton played tennis and was a Youth for Christ, the Student Council, and the Beta Club member. Her nickname in high school was “Early Bird” because she graduated a year early. Payton worked as a florist for several years before going to school to become a dental assistant, which she did for nearly a decade. She began her professional nursing career in 1998 and worked at several hospitals in the San Antonio area, including Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, KCI, and Brooke Army Medical Center, specializing in intensive care and wound care. For the last 16 years, Payton has worked for Hill Rom as a pivotal member of the Care Communications Division achieving numerous awards.

 While living in Colorado, Payton met her husband, Jim Davis. Their love was eternally bonded through marriage on February 22, 2022, in Wilson County, TX. In January 2023, Payton and Jim moved to Ray City, GA, to be closer to her son’s family at Moody Air Force Base.  Payton's selfless acts of compassion, love, and devotion brightened the lives of all those she met professionally and throughout the community. Her love for creativity extended beyond her career as she continued to arrange flowers for herself, her family, and her friends. Payton’s desire for exploration led her to travel the world, but her cherished moments were visiting the national parks. She also enjoyed painting portraits, sewing, and many other creative endeavors. Animals held a special place in her heart, especially her 4 birds and the 2 dogs she rescued. Her love for her family and animals was a source of warmth and connection in her life.

 Survivors include her husband, Jim Davis, of Ray City; her son and daughter-in-law, Sheldon and Jackie Barr, of Nashville, GA; three grandsons, Julian, Joey, and Jacob; her mother, Sandra Jenkins, of Floresville, TX; a sister and brother-in-law, Tammy and Barney Hardin, of La Vernia, TX; and a nephew and two nieces, Grey (& Amanda), Cassie (& Kyle), and Emma (& Cameron).

 A funeral for Payton will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Crosspointe Church in Valdosta, GA. Pastor David Rogers will officiate. The service will be live-streamed at www.CrossPointeChurch.cc/payton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden, 518 Elizabeth Street, Key West, FL 33040, or Bird Garden of Naples, 1060 Purple Martin Dr., Naples, FL 34120. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.