Mrs. Juanita GiGi,Grandma,Granny,MeMaw Malin Paddock Dodson

Juanita was born on June 8, 1918 in Sebree, Kentucky. Her family moved to Evansville while she was a child and she remained in Evansville until her death. Her grandparents were of Indian heritage. She worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II at Servel Plant putting wings on the planes. She was so good at her craft that she could align the rivets and wings with just a touch of her hand. Once she was challenged by her supervisor who brought out the measuring tools to find the wing was aligned to perfection. She also worked at the Blue Bar where Boots Randolph played on many occasions. She was a member of her father’s church, Voice of One Pentecostal Church at 9th and Cherry.

Juanita was the mother of 10 children which she loved and cherished spending time with them. She loved to travel and do so until she was unable to make the long trips anymore. Juanita loved to shop and was a frequent visitor at the local mall where most of the merchants knew her as a regular and always had a kind word for her and a tip on all the sales for her. She loved to work in her yard and garden and had a special “green thumb” for raising plants and flowers. If she could get her hands on it, she would make it grow. She was the queen of Miracle Grow.

Juanita was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Jerry Paddock; her mother, Clara Agnes (Ashby) Paddock; brothers, Decolia Paddock, Forrest Paddock, Ralph Paddock, JA Paddock, Hobert Paddock; sister, Nina Mae Herron; daughter, Carolyn Malin; grand-daughters, Pamela Kay Byerly and Gina Malin; grandson, Christopher Malin; great-grandsons, Jason Spradley and Jackson Hitz; first husband, Elzie Malin; second husband, Robert Dodson.

Juanita is survived by her daughter, Yolanda (Eddie) Vinson of Texas; sons, Dejong Malin of Texas, Jerry (Carol) Malin of Texas, Sam (Lori) Welman of Texas; Gary (Donna) Malin of Alabama, Robert (Donna) Malin of Evansville, Elzie Wayne (Sylvia) Malin of Evansville, Ralph Anthony (Brenda) Malin of Evansville, Shelby (Janet) Butler of Newburgh; and sister, Mary Woods of Evansville. She was proud of and also survived by 37 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

“Granny”, “MeMaw”, “GiGi”, “Grandma” will be greatly missed. Her old stories and history will always be remembered. We have lost a great matriarch.

Services for Juanita will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Ave, officiated by Rev. Barry Paddock with burial at Park Lawn Cemetery in Evansville. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM and on Monday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.