Paytun Bay

Paytun Anaia Bay, 18, born March 13th, 2006, passed away on December 21st, 2024. She is remembered and celebrated as simply one of the most unique and authentic souls you will ever meet. “Pay Bay” was a kind and energetic young woman who you only needed to meet once in order to be touched and feel her impact. Paytun walked through life full of self-expression, regardless of what others thought, and was never afraid to speak her mind.
She had a heart for hurt, downtrodden people and always offered compassion and warmth to those in need. She had a peaceful and understanding energy that allowed many people confide in her. She was an active member of a twelve-step fellowship and was well-known within the rooms. She was sassy and stubborn,which enabled her to stand her ground on the values she held closest. Her faith, along with music, was her entire life and she wishes to be celebrated, in and by music.
Paytun was a member of Salem Baptist Church, where she found what she called her “chosen family”. She was welcomed with open arms and met with an unconditional love. Slowly and reluctantly, she found she could trust and be loved in a safe home of people who cared about her. She gave her life to Christ in December of 2023, and was baptized on Christmas Eve that year. In her year of salvation, Paytun was a beaming example of God’s redemption, grace, love, and mercy. Anyone who met Paytun felt her expansive presence and was moved by her strength and love. Paytun was deeply thoughtful and loving, always making sure to attend to the “little things” and highly sensitive to people’s true emotions. She was bubbly and full of life despite the hardships she endured in her early life.
Paytun Bay is preceded in death by her father, Cory Chester Bay, whom she loved, remembered, and celebrated earnestly. She is survived by her mother, April McManus; her sisters, Taryn Bay and Mari Bay;her aunt, Brandy Bone; and multiple uncles and cousins she loved dearly, along with all of her “chosen family”.
Paytun Bay was honored to live with Dr. Joe Dennis Fox for the last three years of her life, revering him as, “the smartest man she knows.” She accredits him as a major role in her salvation and joy found in her last years. He describes loving her as a granddaughter and misses her terribly.
She is also survived by her life partner, Adam Robertson, who met her with an unfailing devotion of forgiveness and love.
Paytun asks to be celebrated by her favorite songs, tacos, dancing, and singing. There will be a receiving of friends at Salem Baptist Church, Knoxville TN on January 14th at 5pm, followed by a celebration of life starting at 7pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:
Metropolitan Drug Coalition, ATTN: Webster Bailey, 530 W 5th Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917 or online at www.metrodrug.org
Please indicate the donation is in Paytun Bay’s memory.