Patricia Filce Withers left peacefully for her heavenly home on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 0820, three days shy of her 84th birthday. She joined her husband of 58 years, Joseph Withers, who she missed so greatly since his passing March 3, 2019. She succumbed to complications of Parkinson's Disease, which she fought valiantly for almost 24 years. She was surrounded by family members and friends on a glorious fall morning, her favorite time of year.
Pat was born on October 18, 1939, in Houma, Louisiana in the community of Ellendale, second of seven children born to Julia Leonard Filce, bride of Edmond Filce, Sr. She loved the memories of her childhood, growing up with her best friend, Gail Legendre Sonier. Pat went on to graduate from Terrebonne High School in 1957, started a career as an operator for South Central Bell Telephone Company. She soon met the love of her life, marrying Joseph Dale Withers, who was working for the Louisiana State Department of Health. They were married on June 10, 1960, eventually welcoming two daughters, Julie Emma and Ellendale. They settled in Lake Charles but after a few years, relocated to the country life they loved so dearly. There they cleared land and eventually built their homeplace amid the pines on Holbrook Park Road.
Pat lived a full and active life, tending her animals, cooking, sewing, growing beautiful flower gardens, yardwork (always had a rake, a mop, or a broom, and sometimes a backpack with a child in stow as well). She cared for her family and helped care for many children of friends and family, over the years. She served God through her willingness to help others, always thinking of and worrying about others before herself. Pat was a loving wife, mother, friend, Godmother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Calvin Filce, nephew Gary Withers, father Edmond Filce, Sr., sister Kay Filce Coltrin, mother Julia Leonard Filce, and her Godson, David "Buster" Naquin, as well as a dear friend, Lola Mitchell.
She is survived by her daughters, Julie Galley and Ellendale Gabbert; sons-in-law, Bryan Galley and Billy Gabbert; Granddaughters, Claire Galley and Darby Gabbert; Grandson, Conner Galley and granddaughter-in-law, Jaelyn Galley and great grandsons, Stetson and Laramie Galley; her sisters, Carolyn and Fay Filce, her brother, Edmond "EJ" Filce, Jr. and wife Deanna, another brother, Dale Filce and wife Cathy. She is also survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cherished cousins.
Pat and her family were graced with wonderful caregivers, friends, and neighbors who were a source of light and comfort in her final chapter on Earth. Her family would like to express their special gratitude to a great team of caregivers, Jackie Hardy, Kaylene Marcantel, Lisa Royer, Annette Vallery, and Lori Marcantel Chehotsky for years of friendship and help.
The family will host a celebration of life and thanksgiving for Pat and Joe later in November.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Research Foundation or the charity of their choices in Pat and Joe's memory.
Services entrusted to Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsnider.com.
