b. September 22, 1946

by Barbara Kay Kelly Morgan, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Winston-Salem, NC, 2015

In the history of every church there are individuals who embody the soul of the church. Lucy Paynter is one of these people. From the time that Lucy and her husband moved to Winston-Salem in 1969, she has worshiped, worked, taught and volunteered at St. Paul’s. Early on, Lucy became involved in Christian Education first as a volunteer and teacher and, then, when the long-time director of Christian Education moved toward retirement, Lucy was sent by the rector and vestry to Virginia Seminary to study Christian Education. Upon completion of her studies, she began transitioning from volunteer to the position of Director of Christian Education at St. Paul’s, where she remained for many years. During Lucy’s time in this position, both children and adults benefited greatly from her leading and teaching.

Lucy has always had a talent for balancing her staff position and her volunteering as a parishioner. Over the years she has served as president of the ECW, chaired the Bazaar, served on the landscaping committee, participated on both hospitality and funeral receptions committees, been a delegate to the annual convention and served on several diocesan committees. At the same time, Lucy led a small study group for 25 years, taught church school, led children’s church each week, organized Vacation Bible School and gracefully urged many parishioners to help her teach and lead programs for children and adults.

After her “retirement” Lucy served as a Vestry member and became both Junior and Senior Warden. She also continues to serve on many St. Paul’s committees, as well as diocesan committees. During the tenure of the Rev. Donald Goodheart, Lucy was awarded the St. Paul’s Cross for her exceptional service to our church. It was an honor well deserved.

During Lucy’s years in Winston-Salem, community groups have also benefited from her talents. She has served on the boards of all of the homeless shelters in our community. She currently chairs the Salvation Army Board and has been on the Boys and Girls Club Committee there for 13 years. Lucy has also been chairman of the Colonial Dames of Forsyth County which is dedicated to preserving both family history and historical houses. She has been a member and held leadership roles in the Junior League. When her three children were growing up, Lucy was a leader in Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts.

Lucy was raised in Charleston, West Virginia, where she married her husband, George Wilson Paynter. Her friends and parishioners at St. Paul’s are very glad that she and George have claimed both St. Paul’s and Winston-Salem as their home for many years. Lucy’s enthusiasm for people, passion for the church and love of God will continue to serve her well for years to come.