“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Isaiah 66:13
On Sunday, February 12th, 2023, our beloved mother and nana, Patricia Lee Howard, got her wings and went home peacefully to her Heavenly Father three days after celebrating her 77th birthday. She loved sitting outside on her back porch enjoying nature and soaking up the sun, as well as tending to her plants and flowers.
Patty is survived by her daughter Jennifer and husband Tony Thigpen, daughter Kristen and husband David Grigsby. Grandchildren Nathan, Sean David, Noah, Chloe, Sarah, and Hannah. Siblings Lisa and David. Nieces Tammy, Tracey, Trista, and Krista. Nephews Tim and Shawn. She is preceded in death by her parents Dorothy Jean Howard née Bruns and Walter Frederick Howard Sr., brother Walter Frederick Howard Jr., and sister Judith Jean Snyder née Howard.
Patty was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, and grew up in Itasca, IL. She would eventually move to Herrin, IL, raising her two daughters. She began working at Bethesda Cancer Center in Carterville IL and later moved with her daughters to Florence, Alabama, where she loyally served Dr. Thomas Minetree and later Dr. Stanley Clark for over 30 years.
Patty had a genuinely warm smile and laugh that instantly put everyone at ease. She inspired many throughout her life with her loyal, devoted work ethic and her welcoming, joyful spirit. Her kindhearted and outgoing personality made her loving, lifelong friends. Patty’s compassion and care gave her cancer patients strength and courage to fight. She would carry this love onto animals, taking in any stray that came her way, and modeling empathy and generosity to her family and friends.
We would like to give thanks for the kindness and love of the Minetree family, with special thanks to Lynn and Andrew for their devotion to our mom. We want to thank everyone who shared their love, care, support, and prayers over the last few weeks. To all who loved Patty, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
A private ceremony will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Patty’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
And to our beloved Mommy, we don’t say goodbye but instead, until we meet again.
