BREMEN- Our loss became Heaven’s gain. Doris Jean Smith Payton Jones, 94, of Bremen went to be with her Lord and Savior in her home surrounded by family and friends.
Doris was born on December 31,1931 in Earlington KY to the late Rev. Carl C. Smith and Irene Maddox Smith.
Doris was a dedicated and longstanding member of Neals Chapel General Baptist Church of Bremen where she was the church clerk and piano player for many years. In 2006, She retired from a job that she loved dearly at Baptist Health in Madisonville as a medical records clerk where she made many long-time friends.
She loved farming, cooking, working jigsaw puzzles, gardening, flirting with the younger men and The Kentucky Wildcats. But the things she loved the most were her friends and family. She always told every child and grandchild that they were her FAVORITE!
She was preceded in death by her parents, Her husband of 16 years Paul Payton, her second husband of 32 years E.C. Jones, daughter Marilyn Binder, son Ronnie Payton, granddaughter Amber Hardison and Son-in-law Hulin Wagoner Jr.
She is survived by her children Vonda Miller of Greenville, Kim Wagoner of Bremen, Terry Jones (Ruthie) of Maryville Tn., Dennis Jones of Bowling Green; Grandchildren Scott (Stephanie) Heltsley, Jason (Hanni) Payton, Jarrod Wagoner, Adam (Tina) Payton, Austyn (Brandon) Hayes, Morgan (John) Carpenter, Jared Binder; 15 Great Grandchildren;10 Great Great Grandchildren; And so many more that called her Mama Doris and Mamaw Doris; 1 brother John (Jo Ann) Smith of Madisonville; 1 sister Jo Nell (Don) Tucker of Ponta Vedra Beach Florida, many nieces, nephews and friends. All of whom she loved dearly. Because you didn’t have to be related by blood to be her family. If you were a friend, then you were family.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 31,2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Neals Chapel G.B. Church Highway 81 N, Bremen with Bro. Joey Todd officiating, assisted by Bro. Brent Kelley, Dr. Jay Smith and Pastor Anthony Marts.
Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery in Bremen Visitation will be on Friday Jan. 30 from 4-7 p.m. at Tuckers Funeral Home in Central City.
The Family would like to say a special thank you to Hosparus Health of Madisonville and the employees for their love and care of Mom through these last four months.
And an extra special thank you to Elwanda Rickard for being our special babysitter, caregiver, friend and so much more! We love you, Cappuccino.
