Malene Padgett

Malene Emma Story Padgett

Avera, GA –                Malene Emma Story Padgett, 91, loving wife to the late Johnny F. Padgett, peacefully entered into her eternal rest Monday afternoon, August 15, 2022 at PruittHealth-Old Capitol in Louisville. Graveside services to celebrate her life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday morning, August 18, 2022 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Kyle Wilson officiating.

Born to the late Frances Kent Story and the late John Story, Malene grew up in the Mitchell/Gibson area.  She quit school in the eighth grade after her father died as she had to help support her family. Being a hard worker and industrious, Malene worked at Sugar Pie’s Restaurant in Wrens, later working at Stapleton Garment Company for 13 years, and then working at Thermo King, retiring after 22 years of service.  Malene met the love of her life at the age of 14, marrying him on her birthday in 1948.  They immediately started their family and later moved to Avera.  Malene absolutely loved flowers—she had a green thumb and could grow anything.  She also loved visiting the mountains, especially Cherokee and Pigeon Forge. She has been described as being sassy, feisty, very independent, and straight forward.  Malene loved meeting and talking with people—she never met a stranger!  Lovingly known as “MawMaw” and “Flossy Mae”, she had an absolute love for her family and was the happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren—they completed her life. Malene will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and friend who always gave her whole heart. She accepted the free gift of salvation through her Savior, Jesus Christ, and, after moving to Avera, served Him at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.  She read her Bible every day and had a strong prayer life.  She loved her Lord and was concerned enough about others to ask them of their salvation.  Malene’s desire was for everyone she knew, especially her family, to experience salvation in order for them to have an eternal home in Heaven.  Malene’s passing has left a void no one can fill, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. We are comforted in the knowledge that she is now and forever in her Heavenly home experiencing God’s perfect love, true joy and peace.

Malene is also preceded in death by her son, David Wayne Padgett; granddaughter, Saulena Vilano; and five siblings, Faye Neal, William Story, Stanley Story, Leslie Story, and Louie Story. Those left to cherish her memories include her sons, Johnnie Padgett Jr. (Sherry) and Charles Padgett (Sue); thirteen grandchildren, Michelle Hargraves (Ronnie), Wendy Cranford (Korey), Jason Padgett (Marie), Angela Bridges (Chuck), Michael Padgett (Dorothy), Chasity Frazier (Trey), Brandy Wilson (Kyle), Ashley Wright (Willie), Brian Dowdy (Ashley), Nicholas Dowdy (Mindy), Casey Reid (Jess), David “Doodle” Padgett (Tabby) and Jeff Waters (Karla); twenty eight great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; five siblings, Johnnie Mae Walden, Frankie Johnson, Vivian Braddock, Joyce Smith and Glenda Padgett; a multitude of niece and nephews; church family and friends.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday evening, August 17, 2022.