Patricia Rose Perry Thomason, age 85, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Columbiana, Alabama.Pat was born in Jackson on June 14, 1941, to the late Garland and Maude Graves Perry. She was a graduate of South Side High School, Class of 1959. Following high school, she continued her education by taking secretarial courses at Jackson State Community College and Auburn.
Pat enjoyed a long career with Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Belk in Jackson. She was also a successful Mary Kay representative and had the honor of walking the stage in Dallas, Texas, several times. Throughout her life, Pat was deeply involved in her community. She volunteered with Jackson Literacy, teaching adults to read, and was active in the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) at Liberty Grove Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member. Her professional accomplishments were recognized when she was nominated for and received Jackson’s Secretary of the Year award. During the 1980s, she was also a proud and enthusiastic supporter of the South Side High School Band.
Pat had a true passion for flowers and gardening and could happily spend hours working in her yard. She also loved to crochet. More than anything, though, Pat will be remembered for her generous heart and her willingness to help others. Whether she was supporting the boys’ home in Pinson, opening her home to those who had lost theirs to fire, or helping families with clothing, furniture, toiletries, and other necessities, Pat was always willing to step in when someone was in need.
Her grandchildren, Adam and Luke, were among the greatest joys of her life. Pat “kept the interstate warm” traveling back and forth to Alabama to see her boys, who were truly her pride and joy. If Adam or Luke wanted her in Alabama, there was little hesitation—she would get in her van and head south.
In 2018, Pat moved to Alabama to be closer to her daughter, Susan, and to receive additional care. She eventually made her home at Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation, where she formed many treasured friendships with fellow residents, staff members, and nurses. There was rarely a dull moment when Pat was around, and she always enjoyed finding a way to make those around her laugh.
On July 5, 1959, Pat married Kenneth Ray Thomason, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Gregory Ray Thomason; her parents, Garland and Maude Graves Perry; and her in-laws, Woodrow and Mary Robinson Thomason.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Thomason Simmons and husband Randy; and her two beloved grandsons, Adam Wesley Legate and Luke Thomason Legate.
A graveside service celebrating the life of Pat Thomason will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Liberty Grove Cemetery, with burial to follow. The family will receive friends at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home beginning at 1:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service.
