Jo Iris Cathey Paden

Jo Iris Cathey Paden was born December 28, 1926, to Ben and Velma Cathey in Abilene, Texas. She graduated from Tyler High School, and then from Abilene Christian College, where she met her future husband, Cline Rex Paden. They were married 59 years. Their three children were born on mission fields, Tim and Terry were born in Rome, Italy and daughter Tanja, born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her children, being born in Europe, speak of Cline and Jo’s extensive foreign mission work.

Back in the States, the family lived in Plainview, Texas, where Cline served as the preacher to the 10th and Utica Church of Christ. In 1962 the family moved to Lubbock, where Cline began the Sunset School of preaching, later to be called Sunset International Bible Institute. From that moment forward Jo served quietly as hostess to unnumbered student and faculty for the next 35 years. Jo also taught school at New Home Public School, and later worked at Lubbock Christian Schools. Jo and Cline were honored by several universities for their works in the mission field and work for the church. They were honored by Lubbock Christian Schools, as :Family of the Year”. For decades Jo was a model wife and mother to her family. Her quite courage and faithfulness to the church and her family are a legacy that will be missed by her family and friends. She fed “the 5,000”, at her dinner tables and was an inspiration to those of us who loved her dearly.

Jo Paden was a faith-filled Christian, wife, mother, teacher, & friend. She will be missed by her children Tim and Metta Paden of Lubbock, Terry and Becky Paden of Ruidoso, NM, and Tanja and Randy Couchman of Boerne, TX. She has nine grandchildren, Matt Paden, Mandi McCuaig, Ty Paden, Brent Couchman, Trey Paden, Macey Hanner, Amy Jo Couchman, T.J. Paden and Bryan Couchman. Jo also has 9 great-grandchildren.

Tim Paden, Matt Paden, Randy Couchman, and Gerald Paden will officiate services.

Suggested memorial gifts can be made to the Sunset International Bible Institute or to Lubbock Christian Schools.