Paynter v. Smith

CATINNA, Commissioner.

Juanita Paynter appeals from a judgment awarding the custody of her eight-year-old daughter, Susan Jo Paynter, to Louis Smith and Grace Smith, great-uncle and great-aunt of Susan Jo Paynter.

Jerry Paynter, after his marriage to Juanita, got a job on the Smoot Dairy Farm and moved into a tenant house located on the farm. Louis Smith was also employed on the farm, he and his wife Grace living in an adjoining tenant house. Grace Smith was an aunt of Jerry Paynter.

When the Paynters’ first child, Susan Jo, was born the Smiths rendered them almost daily assistance. Some…