Jewel W. Paynther

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Jewel Paynther on May 18, 2025, at age 88.

Born to Robert and Dolly Winn on Christmas Day, December 25, 1936, Jewel grew up in Cleveland, Ohio with her dear brother, Robert, (wife Karen) by her side. Shortly after graduating from John Adams High School in 1954, she began dating her future husband, whom she had been friends with all of her life, and who precedes her in death, Theodore (Teddy) Paynther. At the time, Jewel was a member of her church choir and Theodore began attending her church just to see her. They got married in 1957.

Jewel and Teddy built a beautiful family of 6 children: Veneatra Damberville, Robbi Paynther, Eric Paynther (Pam), Keith Winn (Debbie), Lynda Paynther and Kevin Paynther. To date, this family also includes 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Jewel and Teddy created an environment of love, discipline and laughter in their home. Their marriage lasted 63 happy years until Teddy’s death in 2020. Their children grew up with the utmost respect and dedication to their parents and they all will profoundly miss their mother.

Jewel was no stranger to hard work. With a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Kent State University, Jewel worked at Hillcrest Hospital, Stouffers, as a poll worker on election days, and at Hamlet at Chagrin Falls. As an adult, Jewel returned to Kent State to earn her Master of Business Administration in 1981; the same year that her daughter, Robbi, graduated from Kent State. Jewel then went on to become the first, black administrator at Hamlet at Chagrin. Jewel furthered her career as a financial advisor at Cetera Financial, later in life. This incredible work ethic and love of learning influenced and became engrained in all of her children.

Jewel also thrived on giving back to her community. Throughout her life she volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Valley Presbyterian Church and The Links.

It was easy to see why Jewel was so respected and sought after, both professionally and civically. Her incredible intelligence paired naturally with her wit and her beautiful, welcoming smile. She was truly loved by everyone that was lucky enough to know her.

Jewel’s hobbies included gardening/flowers, playing cards, cooking, puzzles and traveling throughout the country and the world with her family. But most of all, Jewel loved her family; she adored every single child, grandchild and great grandchild. In addition, she enjoyed spending her life living right next to her brother and his loving wife. She poured that love into each and every member, creating a tight-knit bond that is often a rarity in these times. The void left by her passing is painful. But Jewel’s faith and endless love of God, walking the walk and being the hands and feet of Jesus comforts and reassures us that it isn’t goodbye, but rather a pause, when we will all make that journey until we are reunited with family and friends.

Please join us as we commemorate Jewel’s beautiful life. Relatives and friends will be received for calling hours at St. John Funeral Home, 16381 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm followed by her funeral service at Valley Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 10:30 am, 17560 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls. Burial at Highland Park Cemetery. Luncheon at Valley Presbyterian Church to follow. 

Disclaimer: (Do not use the Facebook Page for this obituary)