Pat Southard

The heart and soul of our family, Patricia Ellen Baker Southard was called to her heavenly home on Thursday, October 13, 2011. With an unshakable faith during months of battling cancer, she passed, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Leaving an ache in our hearts but an abundance of joy she leaves a legacy of love. She faithfully lived by her full hearted belief in living for Christ, as she would say "he is the only way". At sixteen years of age she met the love of her life. A young man named Billy Earl Southard stopped to assist her with a flat tire and her life was forever changed. Three daughters and 46 years later, with a beautiful smile that radiated with her love and joy, we can still hear her saying "there's my honey". She raised three girls with an unwaivering love and endless patience. No mother could be found with more kindness, always putting her families needs above her own. Raising her children with the kind of love only accomplished through Christ. With patience and prayer and the bible as her guide, she trained her children in the way they should go, "train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it" proverbs 22:6 Pat spent 33 loyal years employed at Navarro College. According to her colleagues, she was known for her willingness to go the extra mile with a smile and generous attitude that never failed. With so many friendships made, she inspired everyone with her sweet smile and her patience. Her work ethic was evident as she always went the extra mile to ensure her projects were a work of art. Our fondest memories of Pat include her eloquent prayers at family gatherings, her affactionate nature, warm embraces, and the endless kisses she loved to give her grandchildren. She was an excellent hostess and had a special gift of making anyone and everyone feel welcome. Her unfathomable generosity has touched the lives of many and she will be missed dearly. She is preceded in death by her father, R.T. Baker. She is survived by her mother, Mary Baker, husband Bill Southard, daughter Shelby Thedford and husband Alan, daughter Mary Ann Haden and husband Larry, daughter Heather Grant and husband Chad. She leaves behind a brother, Dale Baker and wife Mary Ann, and a sister, Wanda Spain and husband Johnny. Her grandchildren include Sloan and Lauren Thedford, Zane, Katie and Emma Haden, Carter and Audrey Grant. Numerous other family members and a host of extended family and friends. Visitation will be 6-8pm Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2pm Monday, October 17, 2011 at Calvary Worship Center with Bro. Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blooming Grove. Pallbearers will be Sloan Thedford, Zane Haden, Trae Southard, Jon Southard, Clint Southard, Jeff Baker, James Baker, Jeff Covington, Brandon Nicholson, Zane Nicholson. Honorary pallbearers will be Henry Wooten, Jeremy Pereira, Matt Miller, Rayland Haynes, Cody Dickerson and Anthony Longoria.

Pat Southard

December 23, 1946 - October 13, 2011