Patricia Cathene Mathews
Patricia Cathene Mathews, 82, of Chattanooga, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her beloved family.
She was a caring wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones will forever be remembered.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1941, she was affectionately known as Pat, mom, granny, and nana. She is survived by her devoted husband of 29 years, Charles, her loving children, Lena Patterson (Donnie Sr.) of Spartanburg, SC, G. Eddie McCrary (Gail) of Chattanooga, and step-daughter, Casie Mathews of Atlanta. Also left to cherish her memory are her beloved siblings, Jesse Adams (Martha) of Ocoee, Fl., Portia Adams of Chattanooga, Sandra Moton (Thomas) of Rocky Mount, NC, and sisters-in-law, Sheila Phillips of Chattanooga, and Joyce Guinn and Linda Brabson, both of Knoxville. Pat also leaves behind grandchildren, Crystal Talley (Timothy Jr) of Orlando, Donnie Patterson Jr. of Spartanburg, SC, Beatrice McCrary and Maeve McCrary, both of Chattanooga, and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Talley and Timothy (Trey) Talley III of Orlando, and Donnie (Trace) Patterson III of Spartanburg, SC, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Potries and Evie Lena Adams; step-mother, Sarah Adams; nephew, Joseph Randall Adams; and mother-in-law, Rubye Mathews.
Despite her petite stature, Pat’s acts of love left an indelible mark. She was a living testimony of what it meant to be Christ-like. Her gentle voice was a sharp contrast to her penetrating words, exemplifying the powerful virtues of humility, unconditional love, and sacrificial service, serving those around her like Jesus served. She blessed everyone she met with her strength, integrity, endurance, thoughtfulness, loving-kindness and gentleness. Graduating from Howard High School in 1959, she completed the nursing program at Erlanger Medical Center and served as an LPN for over 30 years. Her caring extended beyond the professional realm as she welcomed family members into her home to ensure they received loving care. This service of love, offered freely with grace and joy, was not reserved for just family and friends, however. It extended to anyone who demonstrated a need, without concern for any perceived faults or failures. Always impeccably dressed, she exuded elegance and style, earning admiration wherever she went. A devout Christian, she served Thompkins Chapel A.M.E Zion Church faithfully, contributing to various ministries and organizations, including the Buds of Promise, the church choir, the Trustee Board, the church treasury, the Women’s Home and Oversees Missionary Society, and served as the President of the Chattanooga District Missionary Society.
Pat’s radiant spirit touched all who knew her and her legacy of love and service will forever be remembered by those whose lives she enriched.
Patricia will lie in state on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 12:30-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be on Monday, Feb. 19, at 9:30 a.m. at Cleages Chapel AME Zion Church with Pastor Richard Gadzekpo as the eulogist. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.