Sallie Padgett

Carolyn "Sallie" Virginia Padgett, 81, of Ward, passed away on June 20, 2026, at Saluda Nursing Center and Rehab. Born in Martinez, Georgia, on October 15, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Rufus and Eunice Padgett. Sallie spent most of her life in Ward, SC, and graduated from Ridge Spring-Monetta High School in 1963. She dedicated many years to the textile industry, where she formed lifelong friendships. She also helped operate The Little Country Store in Rodgerstown, SC, until its closing, at which time she decided it was the right moment to retire.

Sallie was happiest when she was camping and simply enjoying life with her family and friends. She was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and immeasurable love for those she held dear. She enjoyed crafting, baking, birdwatching, and tending to the flowers she and Molly cared for together. She will be remembered most for her compassion, her ability to make others feel loved and special, and the warmth she brought into every room. Sallie faced kidney disease with remarkable courage and resilience, fighting like a true warrior until the very end.

Sallie leaves behind her sister, Margaret "Molly" Padgett of Ward, SC; and her brother-in-law, Marvin Branham, of Lexington, SC. Even though she never had any children of her own, she was a devoted Aunt to her five nieces and nephews: Debbie Martin (Don), Marie Dowd (Roy), James Padgett (Lisa), Carla Holsenback (Keith) and Richard Padgett (Ruth). Loving and caring for them as if they were her own, along with many other loving family members. She also leaves behind her beloved furbabies, Rascal and Frisky. In addition to her parents, Sallie was preceded in death by her sister, Frances Branham, and brother-in-law, Carl Padgett.

A celebration of her life will be held at 4 o'clock on Wednesday, June 24th at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville Chapel, with the Rev. Paul Fulmer officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 3 o'clock.

The family would like to say a special “Thank You” to all the staff at both Fersinius Dialysis Center (Batesburg Leesville) and Saluda Nursing and Rehab Center for all the love and care they have shown Sallie over the years. 

Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 or to a charity of one's choice.