Patricia Joan "Pat" (Chamberlain) Payson

Patricia Joan "Pat" (Chamberlain) Payson, 86 of Battle Creek, died peacefully at The Legacy at The Oaks at NorthPointe Woods, with her family at her side on Thursday, September 14, 2017.

Pat was born January 9, 1931 in Hastings, Michigan to John Felix and Gladys Marie (Smith) Chamberlain. She grew up in the Hastings-Delton area and learned to work hard on the family farm. Pat was the Valedictorian of her graduating Class at Delton High School in 1948. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University. Pat taught first grade at Battle Creek Lakeview. She also taught piano in her home for over 20 years.

Patricia Joan Chamberlain was united in marriage to Seth James Payson on June 14, 1952 at Faith United Methodist Church in Delton. Surviving are Jim, her husband of 65 years; four children, Thomas (Deb) Payson of Galesburg, James Scott (Viera) Payson of Belleville, Barbara (David Milewski) Payson of Rockford, Charlie (Karen) Payson of Battle Creek, seven grandchildren, Seth Larson, Ian Payson, Alex Milewski, John Milewski, Eric Payson, Bonnie Payson and Carrie Payson. Pat was preceded in death by her parents.

Pat was a member of First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, a member of its Suzanne Winslow Circle; and the Battle Creek Morning Musical Club. While teaching piano, Pat took responsibility to organize and coordinated her student's piano competitions and recitals. She was an excellent seamstress. Pat knitted baby caps for the Charitable Union, knee warmers for nursing home residents and pot holders for church bazaars. She also enjoyed painting with water colors and she loved her cats. Pat loved being outdoors, hiking, camping, traveling and birding. She could spot a bird in a tree when most could only see the leaves. Pat will be remembered as a caring wife and loving mother and grandmother.

A memorial service to celebrate Pat's life will be officiated by Rev. Thomas J. Ott in the Miller Chapel of the First Congregational Church 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 23, 2017. Pat's family will receive friends at the church the hour prior to services. A family committal and inurnment service will be held at the Memorial Garden at the First Presbyterian Church in Richland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Morning Musical Club, 453 E. Hamilton Lane, Battle Creek, MI 49015.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.