Julia Kay Padon

Julia “Kay” Parks Padon, 82, our dearly loved mother and “Granny” passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the Hinkle Hospice House. Kay was born October 29, 1942 to Robert Roy Parks, Sr. and Augusta Julie Parks. She attended Central Davidson High School and was married to Raymond Marvin Padon, Sr. She and Raymond shared three wonderful children who kept their lives busy and fulfilled.

Kay was a dedicated mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, where she worked for many years before she had to take medical retirement. She spoke often of her many friends she gained while on her route and was proud of her work. Her colleagues remember her as a hardworking team member who could brighten the dullest of days.

Kay was a faithful member of Beck’s Reformed Church her entire life where most recall looking forward to her warm hugs and kind words each Sunday. She had many long-time friends, some who she spent time with every week. Her family affectionately called one group the “Church Girls” and the other, the “Therapy Group”.

Kay delighted in numerous hobbies which included making beautiful crafts, sewing, painting, gardening, collecting dolls, shopping and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She loved to laugh and make others laugh too.

Above all else, she loved Jesus and wanted everyone to know it. She was a prayer warrior who loved to write stories from her life, anecdotes, and scriptures that spoke to her.

Her larger-than-life personality, infectious smile, and familiar warmth will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Raymond “Marvin” Padon, Jr. (Donna), Joseph “Joey” Michael Padon, Sr. (Carol), Julie Padon Hunt (Jimmy); three grandchildren, Chris Hurd (Heather), Seph Padon, Julianna Padon Shelton (Matt); and her precious great-granddaughter, Olivia Hurd.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Marvin Padon, Sr.; her beloved parents, Rob and Augusta Parks; her seven brothers, Jack Parks, Butch Parks, Bud Parks, James Parks, Roy Parks, Paul Parks, and Foil Parks; also her six sisters, Ruth Burkhead, Susie Kepley, Beatrice Charles, Marie Miller, Rose Mock and Virginia Ginn.

The family would like to take this opportunity to give their most sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the staff at the Hinkle Hospice House whose tender care meant the world during this heartbreaking time.

The family will receive friends from 1 pm until 3 pm on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at Beck’s Reformed Church with a celebration of life to follow at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Beck’s Reformed Church, Hinkle Hospice House of Lexington, or the charity of your choice