Addie Justine Shamblin was born on May 15, 1925 to Jessie and Dessie Shamblin. She grew up on Rush Fork having blond hair and bright blue eyes. Years later she married the love of her life becoming Mrs. Joe Paxton from Hansford Fork Road in Maysel. Now known as mom, grandma, great-grandma, great-great grandma, Sister Paxton or Aunt Justine, she recently reached the golden age of ninety years.
Her eyes witnessed the days before penicillin, ball-point pens, FM radio, helicopters, the slinky, sonography, microwaves, cell phones and the internet. She has told stories of what real hardship was and stories about success. She can give testimony to how she gained victory over life’s challenges as she trusted in a higher power to see her through. She can tell how they broke the ice when she was baptized in Lake Erie, she can share what it was like to have her first child while living a long way from home in Washington DC, and share the pride she felt in being crowned the Clay County Golden Delicious Festival Belle. She can still sew a quilt together while she sings her favorite hymns. She often brings tears to the ones nearby as she prays over a family dinner and one might see tears of laughter as she tells about the antics she shared with her siblings Madeline, Carl, Virgil, Ray, Dana and Linda.
Recently her family took her for a car ride to have lunch in a local restaurant stopping at what she thought was a yard sale. As she entered the hall, she heard a resounding “SURPRISE”!!! The salutation was shouted from friends and family who had gathered to celebrate her ninetieth birthday. She smiled and told her daughter, Patty Paxton-Caudill and her son, James Ray Paxton that they “had tricked her“. Smiles erupted around the room as she lit up with excitement in seeing those who had gathered with gifts and covered dishes to celebrate the momentous occasion. Cameras snapped photos, stories were shared and birthday candles lit up the decorated birthday cake.
Those who know her value her faith in God, appreciate the many prayers she has prayed, know the love she has for her family and appreciate the example she has been in their lives. Happy 90th Birthday, Justine Paxton.
