Patricia Ann Yates

February 15, 1943 – June 19, 2025

Patricia was our mom, and we all called her Nina. She was our hero and our best friend. She lived her life by showing God’s love to others who were less fortunate. She accomplished this in her everyday life as circumstances arose. Paying for a young mother’s groceries in the line ahead of her. Stopping and offering help to the homeless. Offering her umbrella to someone walking in the rain. The giving was often, and always given with love and a cheerful heart showing the love of Christ Jesus to others. She lived by the standard set by Jesus Christ to give love, to forgive seventy times seven and turn the other cheek.

As she was lying in her hospital bed we watched as her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends gathered to say their goodbyes. The room overflowed with people whose lives she had touched and we realized that her short well lived life, had impacted so many people by making this world a better place. The love she had so freely given to others was gathering back around her to send her on her journey home. We all said our tearful goodbyes because we will miss her, but also happy for her to go home to Jesus and receive her new body and once again see those she loved who had gone on before her.

She left all of us a mission. It’s our turn as we continue our own personal journey in this world to love others as you would have them love you. Love others because Christ first loved us. Give and you shall receive. Not money, but the important things in this life, love returned, good friendships, family that care for each other even when we don’t like each other.

Mom had three daughters, two sons and their spouses. Seventeen grandchildren and their spouses, and 27 great grandchildren. She was our hero and we all will strive to live a life like hers. She was our best friend and we will miss our talks. We will miss her every day, until we make our journey home to the Lord Jesus Christ. She will be waiting on me; waiting to offer me a ginger ale.

If you wish to honor her memory, make a donation to Miracle Hill Rescue Mission, Spartanburg Soup Kitchen or a local food pantry of your choice.