Payton Family Cemetery

Wilburn, Arkansas

Leroy “Lee” Blair, a member of the board of directors and chairman of the cemetery research committee of the White County Historical Society, prepared the following report on this site:

“This cemetery is located in Cleburne County in an area that at one time was a part of White County. I have known of the existence of this small family cemetery for several years. But could not find anyone to ask for permission to make a list of those buried there. On March 13, 2007, I was on my way to update some other cemeteries in the area and noticed that someone was home at the house behind the cemetery. I stopped and talked to Mr. Payton, he said he would be glad if I made list of his family cemetery. He said the first burial here was Ollie Payton who died July 8, 1971. He also said that all those buried there were blood relatives or related by marriage. There are only four graves in the cemetery now, but there are additional stones set for future use, I have listed them also for future reference. Mr. Payton told me that there is a very old cemetery in the woods between here and Wilburn that may never have been listed by anyone. He said he had not been to the old cemetery for about 30 years. He said the last time he was there vandals had turned over and broken many of the stones. He believes this is a large and very old cemetery. He told me if I would come see him when the weather gets better he would take me to the cemetery. I plan on returning this spring. To get to the Payton family cemetery from Wilburn take Tyler road to Center Ridge road turn right on Center Ridge Road the cemetery is located on the left a short distance down the road toward the Hiram Community.”

The following abbreviations are used in this list:
DS = double tombstone
FM = funeral home marker

Payton, Mildred Louise – March 11, 1930 – only date – DS with Oppie Lee Payton (Row 1)
Payton, Oppie Lee – December 5, 1932 – only date – DS with Mildred Louise Payton (Row 1)
Hensley, Edward Dale – March 3, 1934 – only date – DS with Mae Dean (Payton) Hensley (Row 2)
Hensley, Mae Dean (Payton) – July 29, 1934 – only date – DS with Edward Dale Hensley (Row 2)
Hensley, Jason Dale – March 18, 1980 – April 15, 1999 (Row 2)
Marling, G. Russ – June 2, 1938 – only date – DS with Sylvia (Payton) Marling (Row 3)
Marling, Sylvia (Payton) – September 12, 1937 – only date – DS with G. Russ Marling (Row 3)
Payton, Ollie – June 14, 1911 – July 8, 1971 – DS with Susie Payton (Row 4)
Payton, Susie – July 30, 1914 – December 11, 2000 – DS with Ollie Payton (Row 4)
Davis, Francis Burt – March 19, 1930 – December 22, 2006 (FM) (About Row 10)

If you have questions or additional information on this cemetery, contact the White County Historical Society, P.O. Box 537, Searcy, AR 72145 or Leroy Blair, P.O.Box 537, Searcy, Ar 72143.