Dawn Padgham Henderson

Dawn Padgham Henderson, 94, of Tallahassee, peacefully passed away April 12, 2017, after being tenderly cared for by her family and Margaret Z. Dozer Hospice House. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Dawn will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Dawn was born on August 31, 1922, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Vincent and Alma Hennigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Robert F. Padgham, husband, Donald R. Henderson, son, Neil F. Padgham, daughter Antonette D. Jacobson, and brothers, Vincent and Jay Hennigan. A consummate mother and homemaker, Dawn was an excellent cook and seamstress. She enjoyed making meals for her family and friends, and made three of her daughter’s wedding gowns, as well as their dress formals for school dances and celebrations. She was fiercely independent and had a tough strength about her that helped her through her battle with breast cancer. Dawn loved music and could be heard humming a tune while carrying out one task or another. She could fix a fine meal or a broken washing machine, and solve the toughest of crossword puzzles…she could do it all. She was the true definition of a matriarch. Dawn is survived by her children and their spouses, Stephen J. Padgham (fiancée Aminta Arias), Diane P. Brown (Dick), Christine P. Conrad (Clyde), Marianne P. Johnson (Butch), Elizabeth Padgham (James Willis), Robert L. Padgham (Karen), Joseph M. Padgham (Kristin Sokoloski), Thomas E. Henderson (Patti), daughter-in-law Nancy Padgham, son-in-law Glenn Jacobson; 24 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. As an adult, Dawn made a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Her faith was deeply personal, but very evident to all who knew her. She was active in church until age and infirmities took their toll. It was this faith that sustained and comforted her through the years. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with an inurnment following at the Tallahassee National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308. The family would like to thank the caregivers for all of the kindness and support provided during the last few months. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com, 850-385-2195) is assisting the Henderson family with their arrangements.

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Dawn Padgham Henderson

August 31, 1922 - April 12, 2017