Constance "Koni" Marian Payton Robinson

Constance “Koni” Marian Payton was born March 14, 1942, in Las Vegas, NM, to Lowell and Maxine (Key) Payton and died in Abilene, TX on February 22, 2023.  She grew up in Hobbs, NM, where her father was a principal for several of the  Hobbs public schools. The family was very active with Jefferson Street Church of Christ in Hobbs.

After graduating from Hobbs High School in 1960, Constance went two years to Lubbock Christian University, then completed her education degree at Abilene Christian University.

She married James Donald “Jimmy Don” Robinson on January 25, 1963. They pastored at Churches of Christ in Ketchikan, Alaska, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, then moved back to Hobbs, NM, in 1973.

In 1979, Jimmy Don, Constance,  and the kids traveled the U.S.A. for a full year, visiting every state but Hawaii. Constance wrote a journal of this great adventure—“Robinson Ramblings”—that was published weekly in the Hobbs Flare newspaper.

Constance taught literature, speech and drama for the Hobbs public schools and later coordinated tutors at  New Mexico Junior College.  She also wrote and published several devotionals and romance novels, drew and painted numerous works of art and educational materials, and sewed countless clothing items and costumes for family members and local theatrical productions. She loved to travel, and never met a stranger.

In 2009, Constance moved from Hobbs to Abilene, TX.

Mom said: “I have three beautiful children.”

She is survived by two sons—Tom (Catherine) Harris and Rhett (Kellie) Robinson—both of Anchorage, AK, and one daughter—Robyn (Paul) Hamilton of Abilene, TX. Constance also leaves behind two brothers: Ron Payton of Euless, TX, and Key (Cherilyn) Payton of Burbank, CA.  She has numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren in New Mexico, Texas and Alaska.

Many thanks and love to the Lydia Class at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Abilene.  Donations may be made to New Mexico Christian Children’s Home.  (https://nmcch.org ). A private graveside memorial will be held for the family in Hobbs NM at a later date.