Carol Ann Padgett

Carol Ann Padgett, age 81, embarked on her grandest adventure yet entering eternal life in heaven on June 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant and dynamic as her life. Born on November 7, 1942, in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carol's zest for life was evident from the start. She bid farewell to this world in the peaceful surroundings of Fair Grove, Missouri, after a spirited tussle with COPD and Emphysema.
Carol Ann Padgett left this world and many who loved her. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Preston Robert Padgett Sr., eight children, 24 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren (and three on the way). Her children include: 1. Jean Orr (Daryle), 2. Preston Padgett Jr. (Sandy), 3. Christine Chin (David), 4. Cheryl Magill (Gary), 5. Cynthia Ruggeri (Peter), 6. Linda Kotras (Timothy), 7. Jeffrey Padgett (Jennifer), and 8. Nathanael Padgett (Christa). Grandchildren include Christopher Orr (Emily), Samantha Orr, Alyssah Morrison (Jason), Amanda Orr, Joshua Orr, Lindsey Freed (Brad), Preston Padgett III (fiancé Lauren), Ryan Padgett, Kelsey Storer (Luke), Kyle Magill (Christopher), Grant Magill, Nicole Kilpatrick (Andrew), Timothy Kotras Jr., Matthew Kotras, Allison Kotras, Jacob Padgett, Jonah Padgett (fiancé Katelynn), Juliese Padgett, Joelle Padgett, Tyler Padgett (Tabbie), Emma Padgett, Kara Padgett, Sarah Padgett, and Kaysen Padgett. Great grandchildren include Judah Orr, Micah Orr, Juniper Orr, Addison Freed, Jane Storer, Pete Storer, and Raelynn Storer. Carol is also survived by her sisters, Joanne Ryan and Patricia Delancey, and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, Harry and Julia Delancey preceded her in death.
Carol's journey through education was as diverse and energetic as her personality. After tossing her cap in the air at Moon Township High School in 1960, she attended Slippery Rock University, Burlington County Community College, and finally, celebrating as she graduated from Rowan University in 1978 with a major in health and physical education. Not one to sit still, she earned a certificate in special education and even took a few extra courses at Valley Forge Christian College to continue learning. Carol valued education and was very proud that all of her eight children graduated from Evangel University, a Christian university.
As a homemaker and a gifted teacher, Carol's career was as much a calling as it was a job. She poured her passion into teaching children at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in Hammonton, NJ, and later, special needs kids at Burlington Day Training Center in Mount Holly, NJ. She opened her home and heart as a foster parent to 15 children over the years. Carol's commitment to the Special Olympics and Royal Family Kids Camp showcased her belief that every child deserves a chance to feel like a winner and to be loved.
Now, let's talk about Carol's athletic prowess-she was the girl who showed up the boys in gym class. Climbing ropes was her surprising trick, reaching the ceiling with the ease of a superhero. Carol was so fast on the track, beating the boys, she was invited to the Olympic trials, but fate pulled the string on her hamstring, and that was that. Nonetheless, she channeled her athletic might into coaching and organizing the town's athletic association for kids. Sports remained a passion, and Carol swapped playing for spectating as she cheered on the St. Louis Cardinals as well as supporting her grandchildren in their sporting events, showing up for most of their home games.
Carol's love for the outdoors was no casual fling. She was all-in, whether canoeing through waters less paddled, fishing, or camping with the family. She even climbed the highest mountain in New York, Mount Marcy, with two of her daughters. Always the teacher, she'd quiz you on trees and flowers and birds, and dish out animal facts like a walking encyclopedia. And let's not forget the cats-Carol's collection of feline friends was the envy of every stray in Missouri. She was a shepherd in more ways than one, raising sheep, delivering lambs, and probably negotiating peace between the dog, ducks, and chickens. Snakes? No problem. Carol would pick them up with the casual bravery of someone who snuggled a puppy. She had a treasure hunter's twinkle in her eye, hiking, exploring, and digging for old bottles, as well as looking for arrowheads and fossils as if they were gold.
Carol was extremely creative. She once stood on her head in the beginning of a speech to get the audience's attention while in college. Her kids may remember the imaginative Halloween costumes: beehive, toilet, centerpiece of a table, and Frankenstein and his wife. These were cleverly designed with wood and paper mache. Fine arts and school projects were areas where she could use her creativity with her grandchildren, helping with 3D art projects and puppet shows. There was a satisfaction in creating puppet scripts for children's church and teaching children about Jesus.
Carol Ann Padgett became a believer in Jesus Christ as an adult. She knew of Him but did not know that He could be her friend. She began to pray and talk to Jesus as her friend. This relationship with Jesus changed her life and the lives of her family members. She became excited to share the love of Jesus with everyone: her family, her friends, the cashier at Wal-Mart, the oxygen guy, the waitress at every restaurant, even strangers. She loved teaching others about God's word by serving in children's church, leading Bible studies at a women's halfway house, and participating in 10 mission trips. Evangelism became part of her being. She worshiped and praised Jesus until the end of earthly life and is continuing to do so into eternity with Him.
Words that capture Carol's essence? Intelligent. Adventurous. Creative. Faith-filled.
Carol Ann Padgett is a reminder that life is a grand adventure. She leaves behind a treasure trove of memories, some old bottles, a legacy of love, and probably a few bewildered cats wondering where the party went. Here's to you, Carol! Your next adventure in heaven will be even more glorious than the life you lived with us and beyond anything you ever imagined!
Visitation will be at 2:15pm with Celebration of Life following at 3:00pm, Friday June 21, 2024, at Evangel Temple, Springfield, MO. The service will be live-streamed.