On Tuesday evening, September 10, 2024. Our Father chose George Wendell Payton to join the Heavenly Choir.
George was born on July 30, 1941, to the late Hayes A. and Georgia M. Payton. Born into a large and singing family, some of their most joyous times were spent singing together as the Payton Family Singers traveled around the Tidewater area.
George would go on to sing through his school years, joining with his brothers, Halsey, Ellery, and George Britt, forming the “Royal Robins, singing in talent shows in school and the local areas.
George would become a great football player at Booker T. Washington High School. Wearing jersey #12 would be inducted into the Hall of Fame there. Despite his great football talent, George loved singing more.
The Royal Robins would venture off to New York. They would perform in the Apollo Theater, taking 1st place, boosting their popularity. George wrote several songs with his brothers that became hits and recorded. They sang with and opened for the Isley Brothers, who they became quite fond of, Pat Connell, Gladys Knight, and a few others. They would go on to sign with Paramount ABC and change the name to Soul City. Along with the name of the group also changed another favorite brother, John (Pete) Wiggins, would step in.
The group would come home while they each chose a separate path George would continue singing locally and later join Check 5.
He would start employment with Bank of America in Security when he was offered a career to join Brinks Armored Car Service. He would become the 1st black messenger to bring others with him. He would remain there 32 years before retirement. George was a former member of Second Calvary Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA after moving to North Carolina, he became a member of Grace and Truth Community Church of Elizabeth City.
George married Betty Payton, and they would share two daughters, Yvette Harding of Portsmouth, VA, and Norseika Rodgers (Cass) of VA Beach, VA; granddaughters Tevenia Heatley (JaShawn) and Taliya Perque (Brock); a grandson, Tre Von Harding; 2great granddaughters who will greatly feel his absentee. Also, feel his loss is his
On his new journey, George will join not only his parents but also brothers, Floyd, James, Arthur, and Hayes Jr., Ronald Gene, and Halsey; sisters, Elaine Lynette Somerville, Kay Frances Griffin, and Exxie Lillian Starke. Also, feel his loss is special nephews, Avery Wilson and John Wilson; special great nieces, Alayah and Aliyah Wilson.
As he now rests, he will forever be in the hearts of those who knew and loved him a truly beautiful soul… Rest Peacefully
Condolences(6)-
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Mary E. B. Summerville says
September 17, 2024 at 4:00 pmTo Sisters Bettie and Trustee Ingrid King and Son Brother Robbie King my heartfelt condolences are extended to you at this sorrowful time. Brother George and my late husband were friends as well as Singing Buddies. May the memories they made with Arthur, and Floyd and the other Brothers bring peace and comfort at this time of sorrow. Rest In Peace Brother George.
Ingrid King says
September 20, 2024 at 2:07 pmSister Mary Summerville! Thank You so much for your condolences. It is greatly appreciated.
Ingrid and Robbie King
Betty Payton says
September 26, 2024 at 10:44 pmThank you all for your beautiful words of comfort. We the family are so lifted by the memories you shared.May GOD’S precious grace surround each of you.
Lovely
Betty Payton and family
Rev. Dr. James Edwards, lll says
September 17, 2024 at 8:24 pmRest in peace Brother George Payton and my condolences to his family on your passing. I first met George and his brothers when they lived on Brambleton Avenue in the early 1950s, next to the Moton theatre . My mother was a manager of a cleaners business on Park Avenue and she would bring me to work with her, where I met George.
Rev. Dr. James ” Screwball ” Edwards, lll
Retired Pastor / Author
Judith Walston Henderson says
September 19, 2024 at 11:34 amNoooooo….,,, I’m so saddened to see this. There are so many wonderful memories of being around the Payton Family when I was growing up with his niece my childhood best friend Exxie. I loved seeing the Payton Family sing on occasions. I am sooooo hurt. Mr. George and Ms. Elaine looked as if they were twins. There is definitely an Angelic CHIOR going on up in heaven. My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Payton Family.
Vernell Gray says
September 25, 2024 at 3:34 amTo the Family of
George Wendell Payton
To my surprise sorry
to hear of his passing. I use to enjoy listening to the Payton Family sing back in the day.
Well now he’ll be singing in heaven.
Rest on my brother.
From Sisters Vernell & Esther Gray of MGMBC.