Alfredetta Helena Payton Lindberg, 63, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2013 in Great Falls, Montana.  Alfredetta was born to parents Ezra Otto Payton Sr. and Evelyn Geneva Wade Payton on June 11, 1950 in Mobile, Alabama.  She moved to San Francisco, California with her Mother and siblings in 1954.  The family united with Double Rock Baptist Church, and subsequently with Antioch Baptist Church after moving to Oakland in 1959.   Alfredetta attended and graduated from McClymonds High School.  She had many achievements in high school that demonstrated her skills as a team player.  She was a Pom-Pom girl, Choir Member, Year Book Staff and the Sakamoto Dance Group, all while attending College Preparatory Classes.  After graduating from high school, she expressed her 5’1 – 90 lb. competitive demeanor by challenging male applicants for the job of driving a fork lift for Colgate.  Of course she proudly won the position.  She later enrolled in the East Bay Skills Center in Berkeley, California and received a Licensed Vocational Nursing Degree.

We all remember Detta as a sweet and ever giving person. Her home and her fortunes were there for all who paused in her presence. Many are indebted to her kindness and for being the personification of what it means to be a woman. Mary McLeod Bethune said it best: “Next to God we are indebted to women,first for life itself, and then for making it worth living.”

 Alfredetta was preceded in death by two son’s Damon Sennette and Ian Lindberg; Ezra Otto Payton Sr.(Father); Norman Payton (Brother) Orlando Payton (Brother); Leonard Payton (Brother); Arjetta Payton (Sister)  She is survived by her husband Paul; daughters Nicole Sennette and Vanessa Lindberg; grandchildren Jasmine and Savon Hilyard and Pharaoh Gobert; Evelyn Henderson (Mother) and siblings, Barbarette Newton (Melvin); Ezra Otto Payton Jr.; Norbert Payton; Oliver Henderson (Dolores); Kenneth Henderson; Helen Payton; Montrez Payton (Cheryl); Daniel Payton (Angela); Henry Payton; Edward Payton (Bridget);  Nephews Maurice and Lautaro Newton who are virtually Alfredetta’s sons by another Mother (Barbarette). Detta, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, also leaves to mourn her passing a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In 1972, while living in Oakland, CA., Alfredetta met her future husband Paul Lindberg.  They immediately hit it off and for both of them it was love at first site!  Paul eventually moved back to Montana to run the family farm, but the two stayed very close friends for the next 9 years. Paul finally proposed on Thanksgiving weekend at her sisters home.  She of course said "YES!"  Alfredetta, Damon and Nicole moved from Oakland to the farm with Paul, 35 miles east of Conrad, where they began a new life together. They were married June 26th, 1982.  From the very beginning, Detta jumped right into the "farm life".  She drove grain trucks, prepared and served meals to Paul and the rest the crew, all while taking care of the home and children.  In September of 1984, Paul and Alfredetta welcomed a baby girl to the family.  Her name was Vanessa Rochelle.  One month after Vanessa's birth, the family lost Damon at age 16 to an auto accident.  Four short years later, Afredetta gave birth to a son, Ian Clarke, who lived only one short day. Even with her many loses in life, she carried her grief with such grace and dignity, her loving partner Paul ever at her side.

Detta enjoyed following all of her children's activities throughout the school years. She was her kids and grandkids "chauffeur", driving from the farm to every town in the area to get to dance and voice lessons, baseball, softball and basketball practices.  Although maybe a little late, she never missed a recital, game, tennis match or play.  An avid seamstress, she made Halloween costumes every year and also altered bridesmaid dresses for weddings.  We will all remember her for her culinary skills. She was more than just a great cook, she was an amazing chef who prepared meals that are memorable to all. Her creative flair for design was apparent in her home. And her individuality came through in her clothing, her hairstyles and of course her many hats! She loved her dog Cha-Chi, "her show" Young & The Restless, and of course she loved Michael Jackson. 

The family will always be indebted to Alfredetta for taking on the duties of primary caregiver of her mother and father-in-law, Arnold and Marie, making meals and driving to Dr. appointments.  In their opinion, the sun rose and set on Detta. She had an incredibly close bond with her grandchildren.  They were truly the light of her life.  Because she enjoyed being around people, Detta took a job at SUBWAY and in her eight years there, she brightened the day of every one that came in contact with her. She took a lot of pride in baking the best bread they served.

Detta made a lasting impact on all our lives.  She was the definition of a true friend.  She will forever be remembered as a fountain of wisdom and for her caring and giving nature. Truly a selfless person. Outrageously funny (sometimes unintentionally!).  Always unique, never judgmental, always true to herself.

Most diffidently  ONE OF A KIND. CLASSIC.  UNFORGETTABLE.