Patricia Ann Brown, known affectionately as Pat to her friends and family, brought laughter and joy into the world on July 10, 1960, and continued to spread her infectious cheer until May 11, 2024. Born and raised in Greenville, SC, she was the life of the party in the very town she took her first and last breaths.
Pat was the beloved daughter of John R. Whitner and Mary E. Whitner, who surely instilled in her the humor and warmth she carried throughout her life. She was a proud graduate of Greenville High School.
Her family was her pride and joy, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter with her daughter LaCourtney Whitner (Travis), her son Thomas Wright (Adrianna), and her adored grandchildren Leon Jenkins, Tatiyana Moon, Kilynn Wright, Heaven Moon, Fuleka, and Kamela. Pat was also blessed to see the sparkle in the eyes of her great-grandchildren Emilliana, Noel, and Zuri Jenkins, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newest addition, Nyelle Wright. She was the sister who could always crack you up, leaving fond memories with Glenora Whitner, John Whitner, Frankie Austin, Ricky Brown (Samella Brown), Charles Brown (Rose), and sister-in-law Karen Brown. Pat was preceded in passing by her sister Diane Rice, brothers Anthony Whitner and Willie Mae Reddish, and her grandkid Dallas Jenkins, who are probably already enjoying her punchlines in the great beyond.
Professionally, Pat inspected more than just poultry at Columbia Farms; she inspected life with a keen eye for joy and wasn't afraid to call out any nonsense with a witty remark. Her colleagues knew her as the one who could find a silver lining on the cloudiest of days, and her retirement party was less of a goodbye and more of a "see you at the next cookout."
Speaking of cookouts, Pat was a master at the grill and the heart of every family gathering. She could be found fishing with the patience of a saint, only to turn around and school everyone in card games with the sly grin of a seasoned card shark. Dancing was in her soul, and she could boogie with the best of them, often being the last one to leave the dance floor.
Pat's generosity knew no bounds, and she was the kind of friend who would give you the shirt off her back or the last piece of her famous grilled chicken. Her laughter was a melody that played in the hearts of those who knew her, and her friendly demeanor made strangers feel like old friends.
Words that best describe Pat are funny, friendly, and generous, but even those don't quite capture the full spectrum of her vibrant personality. She was the human equivalent of sunshine mixed with a little hurricane, and if life was a comedy club, Pat was the headliner that you couldn't wait to see.
As we say our goodbyes to Patricia Ann Brown, let's not forget the lessons she taught us: to find humor in the everyday, to cherish moments with loved ones, and to always have a deck of cards handy for an impromptu game. Pat's memory will live on in the stories we share, the jokes we tell, and the laughter that echoes in our hearts. She was one of a kind, and the world is a little less bright without her.
So here's to Pat, a woman who lived, loved, and laughed with all her heart. May her tales of fishing triumphs, dance floor victories, and card game conquests continue to inspire smiles and chuckles for generations to come. Rest in peace, dear Patricia, and thanks for the memories.