To: “P”

I wasn’t there when you were born on the 9^th day of October in 1963 in the town of Liberty, MS. But I was there on the 31^st day of March in 2019, when heaven reclaimed you as its own. And I soulfully wept loving tears upon your forehead as you departed Ochsner Hospital on Angel’s wings. I know you were such a treasure to your parents, F.E. and Martha Patterson along with your older siblings, Perry Patterson and Cynthia Patterson Robinson.

At the budding age of 8, you entered into Christ’s servitude at the Shady Grove Baptist Church where you were baptized by Reverend J.C. Well. Your infectious smile and outgoing spirit will never be forgotten by fellow classmates of Liberty High School class of 1981. From there you went on to graduate Southwest Community College in the field of cosmetology.

It was nothing short of divine intervention that brought you to take residence in Metairie La. in the year 1988. Your independent spirit grew from job to job like Maison Blanche and Sally Beauty Supply into major merchandising firms like Brown and Williamson. And everywhere you went you touched lives and built lasting friendships.

But it was in 1989 that you stole my heart with just a passing glance and a smile that made stars appear dim. It became my sole mission in life to have you in mine and you blessed me with the honor of eternal love when you became Mrs. Kevin C. Smith on October 27^th in 1990. And in 1991 God blessed us with our first born daughter, Nigasia Guian. Six years later in 1997, you gave birth to our second daughter, Jhai Khalayah. Pam, you gave so much love to so many over the years, it would be impossible to list the hearts you’ve impacted.

However, in the year 2007 you were first introduced to cancer when it attacked your breast. You triumphed with the help of God overseeing the doctors at East Jefferson Hospital’s Yenni clinic and never looked back. We give all praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for years that followed.

On September 11, 2017 cancer would return in the form of Leukemia and once again you faced it with fearless faith and again you triumphed in 1^st remission. You vowed to be an advocate for survivors after ringing the bell on the 8^th floor at Ochsner Hospital, signing up as a volunteer to give hope to future patients at the facility. That was just the love in you, God’s heart in you. And God rewarded your faith when Nigasia gave birth to our grandson, Juel Eric Young on May 3 2018 and he was Granna’s Honey the moment he opened his little eyes. Oh how you showered that little boy with love. No one will miss seeing you with him more than I.

Then came February of 2019 and Leukemia reared its head again. This time your body succumbed to the strain of this horrible disease and the toxicity of the supposed cure. You fought so valiantly baby and you refused to let defeat have the last word. You left that diseased shell behind you and took your rightful place among the Angels where you belonged. I realize now that you weren’t meant for this world and that God just loaned you to me because I needed you. Maybe I held onto you a little too long in the end and for that I apologize. I love you still and always will.

Love,

“K”

Funeral Services for Pamela Patterson Smith will be held on Saturday April 6th at Providence Baptist Church #1,  228 Pine Street in Laplace, Louisiana 70068. Viewing to be held from 10 am to 12 pm. Services to start promptly thereafter. Her interment will be at the St. John Memorial Gardens of Laplace, Louisiana.