Mary Lou Padgett

Mary Lou Padgett, born August 25, 1943, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. She was born in Norfolk, VA to the late Ambrose and Edna Brite Harris. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Peggy Ennis.

She is survived by her husband, the love of her life for almost 65 years, Clyde Thomas Padgett; her sons, Clyde Thomas Padgett, Jr. (Lewellen) of Salisbury, NC and Kelly Andrew Padgett (Hanel) of Cebu City, Philippines; her daughter, Lori Anne Padgett Courtney (Mike) of Springfield, MO; grandson, Christian Thomas Courtney (Jess) of Springfield, MO; granddaughter, Khaley Daigh Padgett Runer (Kobe) of New Orleans, LA; granddaughter, Tiffany Alexis Short; great-grandchildren, Max Haley, Jack Haley, and Ella Grace Short, all of Charlotte, NC; her brother, Ambrose Harris (Kathy) of Kent, Washington; and nieces and nephews.

Mary was a faithful member of Gill Grove Baptist Church in Chesterfield VA, where she was recognized by her beautiful smile and her loving and giving heart.

Mary had a 30-year career in Civil Service for the Department of Defense, where she was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 1991 as Deputy Director, Directorate of Resources Management, Defense Fuel Supply Center. Mary was awarded this for having demonstrated exceptional professional ability, decisive leadership, astute judgment and unparalleled dedication to duty. She was directly responsible for development of reporting and recording procedures of fuel provided in support of Operation DESERT STORM through Host Nation Support agreements with the Governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Her performance was singularly outstanding, and her accomplishments reflect great credit upon herself, the Defense Fuel Supply Center, and the Defense Logistics Agency. Mary retired in 1995 as Deputy Comptroller for the Defense Fuel Supply Center.

After retiring, Mary dedicated herself to her family and friends, spending many days helping to care for her loving grandchildren Christian and Khaley. She loved playing piano and sewing (especially making dresses and baby quilts.) She loved with her whole heart and always had a smile for everyone.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Gill Grove Baptist Church, 10726 River Road, Chesterfield, VA 23838. Interment will follow in Gill Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church. Arrangements are by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2