Mrs. Rosa Lee Ward Padgett departed this life on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at her residence. She was born on July 1, 1925 in Lawndale, NC to the late Frank Ward and the late Helen Wray Ward and was their second oldest child.

After meeting her husband, James "Buck" Padgett, they were married in August of 1944 and they remained married for 62 years. In addition to being an excellent homemaker, Mrs. Padgett was employed with Mohican Mills before her retirement in 1988 after 17 years of service. She was a faithful member of Lawndale First Baptist Church where she was currently the oldest mother of the church. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Stars. Her favorite pastimes included riding to the mountains and attending family functions. She loved to cook and her family especially enjoyed eating her biscuits and pound cakes. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Henry "Buck" Padgett; two brothers, Eddie L. Ward and Willie Frank Ward and her sisters, Lucille W. Williamson, Cleo W. Hambright, Ruth Ward and Anne W. Griffin; one great-grandson, Quintin Leslie and one great-granddaughter, Cameo Watson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three children, Jearldine Watson and husband, Robert; Marilyn McCluney and husband Paul and James Gary Padgett; special daughter-in-law, Sherrill Padgett; three brothers, James H. Ward, John Ward and George Ward; two sisters, Shirley W. Fuller and Jacquelyn W. Guest; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special in-laws and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Rosa Padgett will be private. She may be viewed at S. T. Enloe Memorial Chapel from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Monday, January 18, 2021. Burial will take place at Lawndale First Baptist Church Cemetery. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.