Kristel Leigh (Verner) Payton

KRISTEL LEIGH (VERNER) PAYTON, age 55, of Thorsby, passed away on July 12, 2025, at Baptist Health-Shelby Hospital in Alabaster, Alabama. She was born on January 12, 1970, in Copper Hill, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Donald Ray Verner and Margie Nell Mims Verner.

Kristel was a devoted mother and grandmother who deeply cherished her family. She especially loved spending time with her daughter and granddaughters, who were the light of her life. A passionate sports enthusiast, Kristel was an avid fan of Auburn Football, the Atlanta Braves, and NASCAR. Her spirited love for the game was matched only by the love she showed to those closest to her.

She is survived by her daughter, Erika (Landon) Ray of Maplesville; granddaughters, Alessa Ray and Caroline Ray of Maplesville; mother, Nell Verner of Maplesville; brother, Jeff (Amber) Verner of Montgomery; and nephews, Tyler Verner and Hayden Verner, also of Montgomery.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Verner.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Ellison Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. David Bishop and Rev. Mark Lovett officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Mulberry Baptist Cemetery in Maplesville, Alabama.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com