Phyllis June (Empkey) Payton's Obituary
Phyllis June Empkey Payton, 93, departed this world on March 31, 2019 while a resident at the Sound View Senior Living facility in Steilacoom after a long illness.
PJ was born on May 1, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio to Herbert and Julia Empkey. She left Cleveland to seek adventure by joining the World War II Women’s Army Corp (WAC). She was the recipient of the American Campaign medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and the American Theatre Ribbon. While serving in Bad Tölz, Germany, she met and married Captain Ralph Payton in 1947. She left the Army to begin raising her family.
PJ was a Real Estate Agent and a Properties Manager for John L. Stewart Real Estate in Tacoma for many years before retiring in Steilacoom. Her love of springer spaniels, crossword puzzles, garage sales and her vivid imagination while people watching will always be remembered by her family. She loved watching the Seahawks until her last season!
She is survived by her three daughters Pamela Binder, Patricia Payton Dailey, Kimberly Payton Clark, and two granddaughters Michelle Nida and McKenzie Clark. PJ is preceded in death by her sister, Violet Kennedy, husband Ralph Payton, son Randal Payton and grandson, Scott Nida.
We hope she will relish driving her convertible in heaven while delighting in all her Bling!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary Sinise foundation. https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/
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