Luella Jean Paddock's Obituary
Luella Jean Paddock, 83, of Bement, passed away Saturday, November 24, 2018, at Bement Health Care Center with her loving family surrounding her.
She was born February 27, 1935, in Bloomington, IL to Harry Lee and Mattie Marie (Burris) Covey. She was named after her grandmother (Luella Covey) but was known as Jean to her family and friends. Jean attended a one room grade school in rural Clinton and was the only girl in a room of eight students. Jean was a 4-H member while in high school and showed hogs and cattle at the state fair. She was an accomplished pianist and also wrote articles for Prairie Talk in the Decatur Herald & Review. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1953 and took many classes in office skills. Those skills especially shorthand helped her excel in various jobs throughout her life. One of her first jobs was a secretary at the Illinois Central Railroad in Clinton. Later, she worked Jarman Hospital in Tuscola, secretary to Larry Klugman at Richland Community College, and secretary at the Macon County Extension Office. Jean married Lynn Armstrong Paddock on March 17, 1954, in Clinton. They had five children together.
She is survived by her four children, Debbie (Rick) Chestnut of Bement, IL, Jeff (Beverly) Paddock of Sierra Vista, AZ, Scott (Julie) Paddock of Arthur, IL and Sue Hamm of Decatur; daughter-in-law, Penny Courtney of Tuscola; her 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; her sister, Karen Covey Rivera of Decatur, IL.
Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, and she always made it special for her family. She played piano as they played holiday songs. Her home on Whippoorwill drive was a gathering place for all the neighborhood teenagers during their high school years, because of her ability to listen and make them feel special. The teens parents knew that Jean was in control of what happened at the house, and they trusted her to make them follow the rules.
One of her proudest moments was when she received her Associates degree in Journalism from Richland Community College at age 65. She always loved to read and learn new things, and she wanted to encourage her children and grandchildren to continue their education. Later in life, she knitted many items for family. She also entered knitted projects in the Illinois State Fair and won the Governor’s Trophy. Jean created many items for craft shows and was famous for her Christmas mice dressed in formal wear.
She was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband; son, John Michael; son-law, Michael Hamm; grandson, Richard Chestnut.
Memorial services to celebrate the life of Luella Paddock will be 2 p.m. Sunday, December 2, 2018, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date.
The family of Luella Paddock is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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