Carlene (Meeks) Padgett

      A kind and energetic soul, a gracious and giving lady, Carlene Meeks Padgett, passed from her earthly life on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at home at the age of 71. Her family and friends were with her surrounding her with love.

     She was born  May 27, 1951 in Wilmington at James Walker Hospital to Gladys Mckoy Meeks and Robert Carl Meeks. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her cherished sisters, Ethel Meeks Moore and Sherry Meeks Hawes.

     Carlene attended and graduated from Burgaw High School. She had many friends and was loved by all that knew her. Carlene enjoyed traveling with her sisters, Ethel and Sherry and most of all she loved time spent at family gatherings. Carlene was a loving and caring wife to her husband, Wayne, for 52 years. She was a devoted mother to Amanda Padgett Bland and a dedicated grandmother to Cami Bland Vernon and Jody Bland. The sunshine in her life and her heart was her great grandson, Jaxon Vernon. 

     Carlene was employed by Wholesale Auto in Burgaw for 21 1/2 years. Later, she joined the  Pender County Sheriff's Office as a Records Clerk, where she greeted the public and did the processing for fingerprints. She loved her job and worked up until she couldn't work any longer. Carlene never met a stranger and made many longtime friends who loved her.

     She is survived by her husband, Orbin Wayne Padgett; daughter, Amanda Kay Padgett Bland; grandchildren, Cami Bland Vernon (Hunter) and Jody Wayne Bland; great grandson, Jaxon. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

     After Ethel and Sherry passed Carlene took great joy in being there for her nephews, Carl "Riv" Ezzell, Chris Moore, and Darren Hawes; and her niece, Sharon Rowell.

     The family will receive friends 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023 ay Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw with funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Major Michael Collier will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Meeks Family Cemetery.

     Casketbearers will be Riv Ezzell, Chris Moore, Darren Hawes, Wayne Lanier, Scott Tinney, and James Rowell. Honorary bearers will be Danny Meeks, Jeffy Meeks, Mike Johnson, and Pender County Sheriff Deputies.

     In lieu of flowers Carlene had asked that donations be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or to a charity of one's choosing. 

    Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.      

    Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.

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