Payten Catherine Baerwald

Payten Catherine Baerwald, 28, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Born on February 9, 1998, in London, Ontario, Canada, Payten lived a life filled with passion, purpose, laughter, and an extraordinary capacity to love. Though her years were far too few, the love she gave, the joy she brought, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of those who knew her forever.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Tifton First Methodist Church, after the visitation the Celebration of Life funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m.with Rev. Jason Kelley and Rev. Chip Grantham officiating.  Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Tifton, Georgia.

Payten was, above all else, unapologetically herself. Authentic, spirited, fiercely determined, and wonderfully eccentric, she embraced life with an energy that was uniquely her own. She possessed a brilliant mind, a tender heart, an adventurous spirit, and an unforgettable, contagious laugh that could brighten even the darkest of days. Her remarkable intelligence and wonderful sense of humor were gifts she inherited from her father, Dean, whose wit and sharp mind were so beautifully reflected in his daughter.

She loved deeply and without reservation. Whether family, lifelong friends, or someone she had only just met, Payten had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, understood, and valued. Her compassion and empathy ran so deep that she often carried the joys and struggles of others as though they were her own. She was a thoughtful listener, a loyal friend, and someone who gave her whole heart to the people she loved.

Payten’s curiosity and creativity knew few boundaries. She delighted in solving puzzles, exploring new places, embracing adventure, and engaging in conversations about life’s deepest and most complex questions. She was equally at home discussing matters of great intellectual depth or finding humor in life’s simplest moments. She had a special affection for Frank Sinatra, Queen Elizabeth II, and the elegance and traditions of her grandparents’ generation.

An accomplished cook, Payten expressed her love through the meals she prepared. Those fortunate enough to gather around her table knew that the most important ingredient was always her heart. She adored children, who seemed naturally drawn to her warmth, playfulness, and boundless affection. She dreamed of one day having a family of her own. Her beloved dog, Monkey, whose name was inspired by her cherished “Popa,” held a special place in her heart.

From an early age, Payten demonstrated exceptional talent, discipline, and determination. She began dancing at just two years old and continued through age eighteen, earning acceptance into the National Tremaine Performance Company, as well as performing with Southern Dazzle Dance Company.

At Tiftarea Academy, Payten distinguished herself both academically and personally. She was a varsity spirit and competition cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, Miss Tiftarea Academy, and salutatorian of her graduating class.

She continued her academic excellence at the University of Georgia, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, maintained Dean’s List standing and earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She subsequently earned her Master’s Degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Auburn University.

Payten’s professional calling was deeply personal. Inspired by her beloved grandfather, whom she affectionately called “Popa,” she pursued a career as a speech-language pathologist, dedicating her talents to helping others find their voices and overcome communication challenges. She served as a speech-language pathologist at Kennesaw Elementary School in the Atlanta area and later at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina.

Payten credited her mother as one of her greatest inspirations. In her own words:

“My mother inspired me because she taught me by her actions rather than words; to set goals, work hard, and be persistent.”

Those words reflected the determination and perseverance with which Payten approached her own life. She believed in giving her very best, regardless of what others might think. As she once expressed it:

“Always try your hardest, even if it’s not the most cool thing to do.”

Raised in the Christian faith, Payten was confirmed at First Methodist Church in Tifton, Georgia. During her college years, she attended Athens Church in Athens, Georgia, and Auburn Community Church in Auburn, Alabama.

Her favorite Scripture, Mark 9:24, speaks to the honest and deeply human journey of faith:

“I believe; help my unbelief!”

Payten is survived by her loving mother, Deidra Vance Sokolsky, and stepfather, Keith Sokolsky; her father, Dean Allen Baerwald; her sister, Paren Jane McClellan, and brother-in-law, Ross McClellan; her cherished nieces, Lev Elizabeth McClellan and Ani; and her grandmother, Rebecca Key Vance.

She is also survived by her aunt, Keylee Hartley, and uncle Brad Hartley; her cousins, Kamie Thompson, and husband, Bayly Thompson; her uncle, Randy Baerwald; and cousins Tony Baerwald and Marty Baerwald.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandfathers, William Hoyt Vance and Carl “Butch” Baerwald; her grandmother, Cecilia Baerwald; and her uncles, Brent Baerwald and Clark Baerwald.

Payten’s life cannot be measured simply by the number of years she lived, but by the depth with which she loved, the laughter she shared, the lives she touched, and the extraordinary spirit she brought into this world.

She was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a granddaughter, a friend, and so much more. She was brilliant and sensitive, strong-willed and tenderhearted, adventurous and sentimental. She felt deeply, dreamed boldly, laughed freely, and loved beyond measure.

To know Payten was to know someone who never did anything halfway—especially when it came to loving others.

Her laughter will echo in our memories, her love will remain in our hearts, and her beautiful, unforgettable spirit will forever be a part of those whose lives she touched.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Tifton First Methodist Church, 107 12th St. West, Tifton, Georgia 31794 or online at www.tiftonfirst.org  then press the give option.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge arrangements.