Mrs. Wanda Ann McGill Payton was born October 13, 1947, to Warner McGill Sr. and Gladys Hafford McGill in Jasper, Texas. She confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized. She was a faithful member of the Dixie Baptist Church where she was a member of Sunday School, Bible Study, Senior Choir, and Vacation Bible School.

Wanda attended George Washington Carver Elementary School, for grades 1-8, in the Dixie Community. She went on to complete her primary education at J H Rowe High School. She continued her education at Prairie View A&M University, from 1966 – 1970. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, and a Master's in Education. In 1972, she completed her certification in Special Education and Early Childhood Teaching. Wanda's total years of service in Education was close to 45 years. She worked at several schools including Beech Grove Elementary School and Rowe Elementary School within the Jasper Independent School District, Newton ISD and Burkeville ISD.

Wanda met and married Lloyd Elbert Payton in December 1975. To this union one son was born, LaKendrick De'Marcus Payton.

Mrs. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Elbert Payton; father Warner McGill Sr., mother, Gladys Hafford McGill; brother, Warner McGill Jr.; sister, Bertha Marie McGill.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her son, Lakendrick De'Marcus Payton; brother, Joe Cecil (Eva) McGill ; sister, Deloris McGill, and brother, Gerald McGill; granddaughters, Alexa Brianne (Ba'shea) Payton; Kennedi Jade Payton; Kaelynn Ann Payton and grandsons, David Barthol and JaCavion Lloyd Payton; great-grandson, Zaiden Blanton; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.