Jennie L. Padgett

Jennie Lazenby Cook Padgett (‘Mimi’ to her family) passed peacefully on February 18th. She was greeted by family and friends who’d gone before her. She was born in Asheville, NC in November 1940 to the late Harold L Lazenby and the late Katherine W Lazenby. Jennie grew up on Swannanoa Ave in West Asheville and graduated from Lee Edwards High School (Now Asheville High School). In 1962 she and her entire family moved to Spartanburg, SC where she happily lived the remainder of her life.

She was formerly employed by Milliken Research Corporation as an Administrative Assistant. During her time with Milliken, she worked for numerous political campaigns on local, state, and national levels. She was honored to meet several presidents and vice presidents. She conducted fundraising events for many local leaders in the 60’s and 70’s before stepping away from politics in 1979.

After her time with Milliken, she was the office manager in Spartanburg for Strassacker Bronze Art and Memorials, homed in East Germany. Upon early retirement, she became a sought after and quite gifted interior decorator.

She attended Evangel Cathedral Church for 30 years. For decades she led many Bible Studies at the church and had multiple Bible Studies and Support Groups in her home. She facilitated many well-known studies including Experiencing God. She was a certified teacher of the Bethel Bible Series for three years. She was a counselor, a ‘Spiritual Mother’, a teacher, and an encourager. She was simply a beautiful friend.

During the past few years, her activities included teaching Sunday School and occasionally teaching a mid-week service at Legacy Church. Every day she had been a prayer warrior and a faithful member of a local Bible Study. She enjoyed participating as much as she enjoyed facilitating.

She participated in Mission Trips with Evangel Cathedral, led by the late Bishop Houston Miles and Dr. Charles Gaulden. Her trips included Hong Kong, North and South Vietnam, Greece, Jordan, Isreal, Egypt, and China- where she had the privilege of walking a portion of the Great Wall.

Upon her retirement from decorating, and mission trips, she became a full-time ‘Mimi’. Her greatest purpose in life was to take care of her family and love on her grandchildren. Being with Mimi was a joy. She has been our beloved Matriarch, praying daily for all of us.

Her life was dotted with awards and achievements. In the late 50’s, she was the very first recipient of the Francis Graham Reid Music award for her musical abilities in both chorus and her piano accompaniment. After a presentation to the faculty of Asheville City Schools (1950’s), her school was awarded new microscopes. The most recent and distinguished award she received was in 2014. The Spartanburg Police Department honored her with the Distinguished Citizen Award in appreciation for her volunteerism and service to the Department of and Community of Spartanburg.

She is survived by her precious husband of 26 years, Albert J Padgett (Papaw), daughters Lisa Robinson Shehan (Rick) of Spartanburg, Laurie Jones of Gaffney, and Daphne DeShields (David) of Greenville. Grandchildren Edward A. Shehan, Katherine W. Shehan (fiancé Riley Matthews) of Spartanburg, Michael DeShields (Elizabeth), Audrey Williams (Josh), Kaitlyn Horner (John), Alyssa Bennett (Makenly) of Greenville, Brent Jones (Heather) of Gaffney, and Anna Bridges (Jarrod) of Boiling Springs, and 12 beautiful great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Peter August Cook and former husband and father of her daughter, Edward V Robinson. She is also predeceased by her brother David L Lazenby, sister Nancy Lazenby Marable, and a nephew Phillip Gregory Marable.

When faced with the end of her life, our Mimi always shared how God had so richly blessed her. She said He had allowed her to travel, bless others, give to organizations dear to her heart (Spartanburg Humane Society, Carolina Pregnancy Center, Miracle Hill, the local soup kitchen, and multiple ministries.)

Services will be held on Friday, February 27th at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel. Visitation will be from 12-12:45, with the service following at 1pm conducted by the Rev. Janice R King, with speakers Rev Claudia Brantley, Michelle Johnson and Pastor Ben Gaulden.

Jennie dearly loved her friends. Flowers are welcome but also consider taking a friend to lunch. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them and how valuable they are to you.