Payton Elizabeth Ford, 8, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023.
Born in Greenville, SC, she was the daughter of Isaac Ford and Aliceson Waller Whelchel.
Payton and her megawatt smile enter this world on January 4, 2015. From the get go, her personality shined through. She would wiggle in her NICU bed until the alarms went off and nurses paid her attention. She figured out really quickly how to get our attention. Her laugh was infectious and everyone’s goal was to make Payton laugh. At about 18 months old, she finally started using her hands. She dropped a handful of beaded necklaces on the floor and we erupted in laughter and cheering. We created a monster that day and from then on, nothing was safe and was destined for the floor.
Payton loved being in the water, unless it involved washing her hair which was her least favorite thing. She loved Bluey, Miss Rachel’s songs for Littles, Moana, music of all kinds, annoying her brother, loving her family, kitchen utensils and dancing always.
She was so funny and loved making others laugh. She brought joy and sparkles to our lives!
Payton attended the Meyer Center for Special Children.
In addition to her parents, Payton is survived by her brother, Perrin Whelchel; maternal grandparents, Joe Waller and Jan Waller; paternal grandparents, Chuck and Marsha Ford; great-grandmother, Wilma Hire; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A service to celebrate Payton’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at First Baptist Church-Simpsonville with visitation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Meyer Center for Special Children at https://meyercenter.org/, or English Theatre Arts at https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=9EV_Ot7h1E2qaWV11xBAIEb8QQcfbd6NSY9RnNuH-lhKUmN4PKbS5J0unAgCT18tRe5pJsCn2KVpRhWH or by mail at 1310 Garlington Road, Suite A, Greenville, SC 29615.
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