Ms. Brenda Faye Payton

Ms. Brenda Faye Payton, age 66, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Born on July 25, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Mr. O’Neal Payton and Delores D. (Lewis) Payton, Brenda lived a full life. She was a proud graduate of Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. Over the years, she made significant contributions in her professional life, working for the United States Post Office for over 40 years before retiring five years ago. Brenda was the founder of Justice for Chris and A Mother’s Heart. Her involvement with the Justice Center grew out of profound personal tragedy—the loss of her son, Christopher Ferguson, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver on July 28, 2006. Determined to turn her grief into meaningful change, Brenda began advocating for Chris’s Law in August 2010. Her tireless efforts came to fruition in 2017, when the law was passed, mandating immediate drug testing whenever alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances are suspected to be a factor in a crash, accident, or injury. Brenda was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church 114 W. Forrest Hill Ave. Peoria, Illinois. She was also an active member of the TNBA Bowler Mixer League, where she enjoyed the camaraderie and spirit of competition. Brenda had a passion for trying new foods. One of her favorite pastimes was traveling to Las Vegas, where she enjoyed visiting various casinos. Brenda was a beloved family member, survived by her uncle, Novarta Payton; aunts, Denise Robertson, Kathea Clark, Shirley Hughes; brothers, O’Neal Payton and Herman Payton; sister, Lashun Payton; granddaughter, Jada Ferguson; special nephew, Kenyatta Ferguson; nephews, David Ferguson, Alex Ferguson, Shaun Lamar Thomas, Cedric Cook, and Isaiah James Williams; niece, Ashley Barber; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and other relatives. She is also remembered fondly by her special friend, Darlene Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents, O’Neal and Delores Payton; her son, Christopher Ferguson; her brothers, Robert Ferguson and James Lee "Jimmie Lee" Williams; nephew, Romon (Ro) Ferguson, and her grandparents, David and Opal Lewis. Brenda will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Arrangements are pending.

Tributes

Ms. Brenda Faye Payton

July 25, 1959 - December 18, 2025