She was born on December 19, 1933 in Port Arthur, Texas to John Thomas and Roma Cortez Montgomery.
She was the oldest of three children. Her family moved to Galena Park where Chris
atted public schools and graduated from Galena Park High School in 1952. She was a member of the orchestra, student council, and marching band. In 1950 she participated in the opening ceremony of the Washburn tunnel where the bands of Galena Park and Pasadena High Schools started playing the same tune, on their respective sides, and marched down to meet each other in the middle of the tunnel.
She met and married James Albert Padgett in 1952. She went to business school and worked as a secretary while James was deployed to Korea. She worked and purchased furniture for their first home in Pasadena while he was away. They started adding to their family upon his return and after the birth of their first child, Chris became a stay at home Mom for their four children. In 1966, to help with the finances of their young family, Chris decided and was determined to become a school teacher. Three years later, she graduated with honors from the University of Houston with a Bachelor's degree in education. She taught reading, English, and drama in the Pasadena Independent School District at Red Bluff Elementary and San Jacinto Intermediate.
She influenced and earned the love of many students and faculty before retiring after-25 years.
Since the early 1960's, Chris and James were active members of Golden Acres Baptist Church where Chris served as the organist for more than 50 years. James served as a deacon, and together they worshipped and supported their church thru many activities including choir, Vacation Bible School, and teaching Sunday School for 40 years. Together, they set the example of reading the Word every morning and praying before meals. Their active faiths lead many friends and family members to know Jesus.
She is survived by four children and their spouses: Becky and David Smith, Jim and Lounette Padgett, Charley and Sondra Padgett, and Mary and Kenney Moore; five Grandchildren and their spouses: Justin and Kendall Smith, Amy Munoz, Ashley and Brett Carpenter, Samantha and Steve Cunningham, and Holly and Jonathan Wilder; nine Great-Grandchildren: Ewan Smith; Kiera Munoz; Presley and Brenna Carpenter; William, Luke and Jason Cunningham; and Caleb and Adeline Wilder; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents: her husband James, of 64 years; brothers, John Thomas Montgomery, Jr, and his wife, Shirley; along with her brother, Charles Earnest Montgomery; one granddaughter, Sheila Danielle Padgett; and one great granddaughter, Kaitlyn Sophia Munoz.
A visitation for Ina will be held Sunday, July 8, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 9, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Golden Acres Baptist Church, 2812 Pansy St, Pasadena, TX 77503. A committal service will occur Monday, July 9, 2018 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Grand View Cemetery.
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