Florence Patrick Seward

October 15, 1942 to Frank and Malone Patrick in Columbus, MS. She was the 2nd of 4 children

- she had an older sister and two younger brothers. She graduated from high school in 1960,

and attended the Mississippi State College for Women (now MUW), graduating in 1964. She

married Byron Hughes Seward on September 25, 1966 and they settled in Greenwood, MS for

23 years. Together, they had 2 children, Byron (Leslie) of Beaverton, OR and Gail (James) of

Wilsonville, OR.

During her time in Greenwood, Florence served as the secretary at St. John’s United Methodist

Church for 12 years. She was an active member of the church, singing in the choir. In August of

1992, she resigned her position as the family moved across the country to Beaverton, OR. After

a few months of settling in, Florence was hired as the administrative assistant to the district

superintendent of the Metropolitan District in the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United

Methodist Church. She served in this role for 10 years before retiring. Florence was also an

active member and volunteer at Lake Oswego United Methodist Church for many years.

One of Florence’s greatest joys in life was her grandchildren. Her first grandchild came along in

2000, followed by 4 more between 2003 and 2008. She loved every one of them and enjoyed

attending their music, dance, and sports performances. She was willing to help out at the drop

of a hat, and would occasionally watch all 5 at once! The grandchildren loved spending time

with grandma, too, and she always had their favorite foods and toys at her home!

Florence is survived by her brother Charles of Columbus, MS, her brother Dennis (Linda) of

Columbus, MS, her 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She is

preceded in death by her husband, Byron Hughes, her parents, Frank and Malone, and sister

Carolyn.