Krista I. Paynton

Krista I. (Drown) Paynton, 54, of Dighton and the Village of Attleboro Falls in North Attleboro, the Superintendent of Schools for Bristol County Agricultural School, died on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at her residence surrounded by her loving family following a year-long illness. She was the beloved wife of Richard H Paynton to whom she was married on June 27, 1981. Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts on September 13, 1958, she was a daughter of the late Sears L. and Ingeborg P. (Petersen) Drown and was raised at the family home on Pleasant Street in Attleboro. Mrs. Paynton was a 1976 graduate of Attleboro High School and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her Master's in Reproductive Physiology from the University of New Hampshire - Durham. Mrs. Paynton began her educational career at Bristol County Agricultural School as a student teacher in 1980 and returned in 1982 as a teacher in the animal science department. In 2005, Mrs. Paynton became the first woman to serve as the school's principal and would become the school's first female superintendent when appointed to the position in 2008, only the seventh superintendent since the school opened in 1912. Although her professional accomplishments were numerous, she was most proud of the fact her school achieved a 100 percent passing rate in the MCAS exam, the standardized test needed to get a high school diploma in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that every student in the class of 2010 was placed, meaning they went on to higher education, a four or two-year college, they got a job in their chosen field or they went into the military. She will be remembered for leaving an indelible mark as she focused her expertise on having a vision for the future careers of students. From her earlier teaching days, she subscribed to a mantra of ensuring students needs were of the utmost importance. A member of countless professional organizations, Mrs. Paynton was a Board Member of the Massachusetts Society of Medical Researchers. Her legacy will be her dedication to family, faith and education. In addition to her husband she leaves two children: Alexander William Paynton of North Attleboro and Taylor (Paynton) Potter and her husband, Jonathan Potter, to whom she was wed May 2, 2013, of Taunton; a brother: Karl Drown of Rehoboth; her husband's parents: William C. and Valrie S. (Sindt) Paynton of Attleboro Falls and nieces, nephews, extended family members, scores of past and current students, countless colleagues and friends. She and her family celebrated their faith and worshipped at Waters Church in North Attleboro. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the funeral Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Waters Church, 15 John L Dietsch Boulevard, North Attleboro, with the Rev. Timothy Hatch, Pastor, officiating. Children's room available during visitation. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery and Arboretum, Mount Hope Street, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Following the Celebration of Her Life and Faith an invitation will be extended to join the family for continued fellowship and refreshments at Waters Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an online register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.