Julie Mae Ferguson-Carter Padgett

Julie Mae Ferguson-Carter Padgett of Middleburg, FL., passed away Friday, February 8th, 2008. She was born on March 31st, 1943, in Jasper, TN to the late Sally Ferguson and James Holloway.

Julie grew up primarily here in Clay County, FL. She did go out to California in the summers to her Aunt Jen who owned “Jen Loven’s Swim School”. Shortly after turning 15, she made a big move and didn’t come home one summer. So, she begins going to the most famous high school which was at that time Hollywood High. She just loved Ricky Nelson and later it would be Willie Nelson. While still in school Julie would come home and immediately start helping her Aunt Jen teach swimming lessons. Unbeknownst to her at the time she was teaching Ron Howard (Opie), Paul Newman's children as well as many more. This Hollywood Swim School became the place for all celebs & Hollywood’s most elite children to go to learn to swim in the 1950’s & 1960’s. She also loved going with her Aunt Jen to hear her Uncle Jack Sheldon play Jazz at one of the many places he frequently played in Hollywood.

Julie then returned to Florida in the late 60’s early 70’s. Julie became a Clay County School Bus Driver for over 18 years. Her passion was writing but helping those less fortunate was a bigger passion as she for the most part of her life knew how being less fortunate felt. She would always make sure every child had a coat in the winter and lunch money daily. Julie also wanted to write a book. One of which her daughter Diana wants and intends to finish publishing one day.

Although Julie drove a bus during the day she enrolled in college at nights in her early 50’s at St. Johns River Community College. She received several awards (such as The Dean’s Lists) and including many more.

Julie absolutely loved big cats such as Lions, Tigers, Lynx and Panthers. She could tell by the way she designed and furnished her home to the love she gave to her precious domesticated cats.

Julie is preceded in death by her parents James & Sally, her brother Thomas Carter and a son Gordon Reese Taylor.

Julie is survived by her children Diana (Bert) Jimmison of Middleburg, FL., Roy (Erica) Padgett of Clearwater, FL., Robert (Melissa) Taylor of Greenville, SC., Jennifer (Tom) Conely of Huntsville, AL. Beverly (Jeff) Williamson and Rhonda (Belton) Garvin all of Virginia.

Her sisters Elaine (Rodney) McCreary of South Pittsburg, TN and Crystal McWhorter of Middleburg. Her grandchildren Cierra, Garet, Michael, Kurt, Kobe, Brooklyn, Renee, Nikki, Dusty, Mary and Sarah with one great-grandchild on the way. She will be deeply missed by all her loving family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at Broadus-Raines Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, February 11, 2008 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Reverend Ronnie Surrency officiating. Interment will follow in Peoria Cemetery. Please sign the family online register book and view their DVD Memory Video at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.  To view the VIDEO TRIBUTE, click the following link: http://brfhtributes.com/JPadgett_Feb2008.htm