Community Holds Remembrance Ceremony for Ta’Haley Payton in Simpsonville, South Carolina

Simpsonville, South Carolina: A Heartfelt Remembrance for Ta’Haley Payton

In a moving tribute to the bright spirit of Ta’Haley Payton, friends and family gathered Saturday afternoon to honor her memory. The outdoor remembrance ceremony took place near the Metropolitan shopping complex in South Charlotte, where her loved ones had tirelessly searched for her just days before her tragic discovery.

Finding Hope in Heartbreak

Ta’Haley Payton was only 22 years old when she was reported missing on November 20, just a day after her birthday. Friends say she had traveled to Charlotte to celebrate with her boyfriend but found herself in a difficult situation that ultimately led to her untimely death. With no phone and no money, she was left vulnerable in an unfamiliar city.

“We just always had so much fun together,” her best friend Kelanie Davis reflected during the ceremony, recalling their mischievous nighttime golf cart rides around baseball fields in Simpsonville. “If you knew Ta’Haley, you knew laughter was always around her.”

Community Comes Together

About 20 of Payton’s friends and family members, filled with sadness but determined to celebrate her life, gathered to remember her legacy. The vibrant event included heartfelt prayers and the release of yellow, pink, and white balloons, symbolizing Ta’Haley’s spirit soaring free. Leading the gathering was her sister Karlotta Payton, who spoke with strength and love for her departed sibling.

“She’s free now,” Karlotta told the crowd, expressing hope for healing as they cared for Ta’Haley’s infant daughter. “Don’t be sad for her. Be happy that she had peace.”

A Friend’s Search for Answers

In the midst of her grief, Kelanie took it upon herself to spread the word about her best friend’s disappearance. “We went door-to-door,” Davis recounted, sharing her determination to find Ta’Haley. “I’ve advocated on social media, reaching out to everyone I could think of. It was disheartening, and we faced a lot of negativity online as our family dealt with the emotional pain.”

Among the supporters was Stephanie Gardner, a local resident who answered the door when Davis knocked. “You could see the genuine worry in her eyes,” Gardner recalled. Although she had just woken up, she felt compelled to help. “I can’t imagine something like this happening to my best friend. We have to help each other in times like this.”

Remembering the Light

Payton was known for her fun-loving personality, as former classmate Jailyn Keys shared, “She was outgoing and lit up any room she walked into. Family was everything to her.” Friends and family spoke of Ta’Haley’s inspiring nature, with Davis adding that she always motivated her peers to believe in themselves. “She would say, ‘Never give up,’ and made sure that everyone felt beautiful.”

A Community Mourning Together

As the balloons floated into the blue sky, those gathered couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection not only to each other but to Ta’Haley herself. “She’s gone, but she’s not gone from here,” her sister reminded everyone present, as they held onto memories of laughter and love. “She lives through my little brothers, through me. Through all of us, she’s still here.”

Seeking Justice

As the community came together to celebrate a bright life lost too soon, they also echoed a call for justice in the wake of tragedy. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are investigating Ta’Haley’s death, and they urge anyone with information to step forward. “We just want answers,” Kelanie expressed, her determination shining through the sorrow. “She deserves it.”

Those who wish to support the investigation can contact authorities through the Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line or their dedicated website. For now, the focus remains on celebrating Ta’Haley’s vibrant spirit, remembering the joy she brought to so many lives.