Doris Padgett

January 4, 1925 - January 20, 2022

Mrs. Doris Padgett, longtime and well respected resident of Sunnyvale, passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2022. Doris was born on January 4, 1925, in Abilene, Texas, to parents Albert Burnett Hailey and Hazel Lewis, both of whom preceded her in death along with her best friend and partner, Dennie Shipley. Doris moved to Sunnyvale in the late 1940’s and immediately became a vital part of the community working at the City of Sunnyvale and then at the Sunnyvale Public Library for over 50 years. Her love of print started early childhood reading and then having her own paper route for the Dallas Morning News. While working at the library, she was known for her vast knowledge of the history, residents and geography and her familiarity with the history of Sunnyvale made Doris a treasure for all researchers. She truly loved reading and made a positive impact on library visitor’s lives helping them find the perfect book for work or pleasure. She was a charter member of PLANT-Public Library Administrators of North Texas (formerly known as Dallas Metropolitan Area Public Libraries Association) where she helped innovate the library systems for present time. She was the recipient of many recognitions over the course of her career with the City of Sunnyvale and the library and she received the highest honor when they officially named the library the Doris Padgett Public Library in honor of her dedication to the community she loved so much. Widowed at a young age, Doris met Dennie Shipley through mutual friends and together they shared a wonderful 36 years filled with love and laughter. Doris was a longtime and active member of the First Baptist Church in Sunnyvale as well as a member of the Sunnyvale Garden Club. Doris loved cats and had many talents including painting. She painted beautiful pictures and loved to play cards. She was also a world wide traveler having visited many countries in Europe with her favorite destination being Ireland. Doris is survived by her daughter, Sharon Cne' Padgett-Bryant, and husband Franklin, of Terrell, Texas; half brother, A.B. Hailey of Henderson, NV; beloved companion, Jammer, her calico cat as well as countless students, researchers, colleagues, church family and friends, all of whom will miss her greatly and never forget her. Doris' family would like to also extend their gratitude to Ann Foster, Doris' ever loving, vital and loyal caretaker over the past several years. Ann's tireless care was a true gift and blessing and she is deeply appreciated by the family. Funeral service will be at 1:00pm, Friday, Jan 28, 2022, at the Worship Center, FBC Sunnyvale, 3018 N. Beltline, Sunnyvale, 75182 with interment to follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Student Center of FBC Sunnyvale, which is located in the back of the campus.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz.org/ or to the First Baptist Church in Sunnyvale on 3018 N Belt Line Rd, Sunnyvale, TX, the ASPCA at www.aspca.org or charity of your choice.