Sis. Patricia Ann Smith

Our beloved Patricia Ann Smith was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, December 16, 1954, the youngest of six siblings. Her parents, Robert and Mary Thelma Jackson, both preceded her in death, raised her to be a strong, independent woman of faith. Patricia, affectionately known as “Pat” or “Sissy”, gave her life to Christ at Woodlawn Missionary Baptist Church as a youth. As her faith matured, she began to lead Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and the Minister’s Wives and Widows Auxiliary serving as the first sitting president. Pat’s steadfast and unmovable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was apparent in her level of detail and excellence as she served those around her and Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, her local church. She believed in doing things well and without complaint. She often quoted verses like, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your path.” And, Proverbs 27:17 which says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Her faith wasn't just personal—it was a sharpening stone that refined everyone she touched, challenging and uplifting others, drawing them closer to Christ. In her family, you could hear her referred to as “Mama, Auntie, Baby, Grammie and even Auntie-Grammie.” She was all of those things. 

Married for 35 years to Pastor Lucius Smith, she exemplified the beauty of covenant love—a devotion that only deepened through decades of ministry, joy, and ultimately, through her illness when her beloved returned every measure of care she had so faithfully given. She was the family’s resident “physician” - knowing exactly what to do and when to do it to make you feel better. She knew what joke to make you laugh or lighten the load or what words to provide encouragement when you needed a little “nudge” to get up and do what God called you to do. She lived a life that demonstrated consistency in character - unconditional love and a deep compassion coupled with a firm “no nonsense” demeanor when needed. Her daughters: Elder TaTanisha (Phillip) Shumpert, and Drs. Leilani (Sherman) Scott and bonus children: Lucius (Cheryl) Smith, Jr., Shawn (Nicole)Smith and Quiton Smith benefited from her motherly love, care, sound advice and strength. Her granddaughter, Jordan Shumpert, was the apple of her eye as a legacy she hoped to leave behind. She equally loved her eight other grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. And, her motherly “superpower” transcended biology to others who God placed in her path. 

She was like a bridge on which others would travel to find wisdom and comfort. Her husband adored her, daughters looked up to her as both mother and mentor, her nieces and nephews gravitated to her warmth and gentle guidance, and her siblings - George Wesley Dowlen, Jr. (preceded by death), Birdie Coady, Berthenia Cross (preceded by death), Frank Dowlen, Bob Dowlen, Laura Troutman, Louise Morris, Hilda Walters, Marlene Smith, Jerome Smith, Anthony Smith, Ambrose Smith, cherished her as their beloved confidante. As a student of Clarksville High School (Class of 1972) and Austin Peay State University, Pat blazed the path to leadership as Division Chief of Information Technology and Communication at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Her leadership was recognized due to her work ethic and management skills. After retirement in 2014, Pat began to volunteer her time and talents at the local hospital and Bella's Closet, where she especially delighted in serving—often recounting stories of laughter and joy from her encounters there.

Patricia carried the Light of God. In her presence, people found authentic conversation free of judgment, genuine care, and a firm strength that both comforted and inspired.

The night before Pat went home to be with the Lord, she sang with surprising strength—a song she had once led in the choir. Her family believes they witnessed a sacred moment: Pat worshiping in the Spirit, already standing at heaven's door.Patricia leaves to cherish her loving memory, devoted husband, Lucius Smith; children, TaTanisha (Philip) Shumpert, Leilani (Sherman) Scott, Lucius (Cheryl) Smith Jr., Shawn (Nicole) Smith, Quiton Smith; nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; siblings - George Wesley Dowlen, Jr. (preceded by death), Birdie Coady, Berthenia Cross (preceded by death), Frank Dowlen, Bob Dowlen, Laura Troutman, Louise Morris, Hilda Walters, Marlene Smith, Jerome Smith, Anthony Smith, Ambrose Smith, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.