Harriett Evalina (Crecelius) Payton, age 93 of Campbellsburg, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Harry Mitchell and Wilma Hazel Crecelius. 

Harriett attended a three-year nursing program at the Kentucky Baptist School of Nursing. While there, on a blind date, she met her future husband, Woodrow Payton. They married on February 9, 1952. In 1963, they purchased a farm on New Cut Rd where they raised five children, tobacco, countless dogs and cats and ran a small dairy farm. Harriett quickly became known for her stellar cooking skills and if you were lucky enough to sit down at her table, you were not going to leave hungry! 

As incredible as her cooking skills were, they paled in comparison to her ability to love on people. Although shy by nature, Harriett always went out of her way to speak with everyone and make them feel welcome. She accepted them for who they were and where they were. She loved her family beyond measure and was immensely proud of each and every one of them. That love is her everlasting legacy. 

Harriett was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Payton; sister, Marie Johnson; brothers: Shirley Lee Crecelius, Loren Gene Crecelius, Jerold Crecelius, Leon Crecelius and Harold Ray Crecelius; and a son-in-law, Steve Lesmeister.

She is survived by her children: Peggy Reeves of Louisville; Mike Payton of Campbellsburg; Kathy Lesmeister of Louisville; Bruce Payton of Campbellsburg and Lisa (Chris) Carper of Owensboro.

Grandchildren: Chris (Jordan) Reeves, Katie (Josh) Cummins, Craig (Jordan) Lesmeister, Eric Lesmeister (Alex), Abby Payton and Kalen Carper (Robin).  

Great-Grandchildren: Jack, Mitchell, Sam, Emalyn, Bennett, Annie Frances, Kayden, Isa, Caroline, and Becca. (“And to think, it all started with a blind date,” Harriett Payton 9/8/23).

Funeral Service:   11 AM on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Prewitt New Castle Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Mike Frey of Hopewell Baptist Church.

Honorary Pallbearers: Ida Lyons, Ruth French, Alta Haunsz, Martha Alcorn, Vivian Crecelius and Beverly Mills.

Active Pallbearers:  Chris Reeves, Katie Cummins, Craig Lesmeister, Eric Lesmeister, Kalen Carper, and Abby Payton.

Burial:  New Castle Cemetery

Harriett was an active member of Hopewell Baptist Church and memorial contributions may be made to the church, Post Office Box 188, Campbellsburg, Kentucky 40011. 

Visitation:  4 to 8 PM on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Prewitt New Castle Funeral Home and from 10 AM until service time on Friday, September 15, 2023.

Click HERE to watch Harriett's tribute video.