Former university first lady dies

Mrs. Thelma P. Payton
(Courtesy: Tuskegee University)

 TUSKEGEE, Alabama (June 20, 2013) -- Thelma P. Payton, the wife of Tuskegee University's fifth president, Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, died today. She served as first lady at the university from 1981-2010. Formerly Thelma Plane of Evanston, Illinois, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University and a master's in social work from the Columbia University School of Social Work.

A long-time supporter of the university, Thelma Payton was known for her work with several aspects of Tuskegee such as the Legacy Museum. 

"Like that tiny grain of sand that coaxes the oyster until it creates a pearl, Mrs. Payton constantly reminded everyone that something had to be done with the art collection," wrote Cynthia Beavers Wilson in the acknowledgments of a 2010 museum program. 

Thelma Payton is survived by her husband, two children: Mark Steven and Deborah Elizabeth; and grandchildren: Danielle Marie, Maya Elizabeth, William Isaac and Nicholas Warren Payton.

The funeral service will be held at the Tuskegee University Chapel June 27 at 11 a.m. CST. People's Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS