Patricia Sue Harlow

Patricia Sue Harlow, 86, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on September 2nd, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. Originally of McRoberts, Kentucky she was born on March 3rd, 1938 to Georgie Russell Fleming and Margaret Virginia (Blevins) Fleming. She resided most of her life in Michigan where she was part of the first graduating class of Willow Run High School in Ypsilanti.

She married the love of her life William Max Harlow, 68 years ago. Their love was one of the strongest forces on earth for her. A love like theirs stood against the world, from running off and eloping to spending their golden years caring for others, and all the different states and new adventures in between, they put in the hard work of choosing each other and their family every day. Her love for her husband and family is a legacy no one will ever forget. Even times when she could not recognize others, she lit up when he entered the room, she never stopped worrying about him eating, taking medicine, or that he was okay. She was a loyal and devoted wife to him always, their love has been an inspiration to their family.

Her love and devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was second to none, she was affectionately known as grandma, Grammy, and Gigi. She would be at every event, game, recital or graduation, encouraging and cheering them on. From one-on-one secret treat runs to giving advice that lasts a lifetime, she was the definition of unconditional love. She will be remembered as the glue of her family, the person everyone went to for every bit of advice no matter how big or how small.

During her lifetime she had many jobs, from working in her parent’s party stores, line work at Chrysler, Hoover ball and bearing company, custodial staff at the University of Michigan, owning her own successful daycare Sue’s Zoo Crew and gourmet basket business Thoughtful Creations, to being a caretaker for her sister and parents until the end of their lives. Her giving nature and love for others, especially family, is why she and her husband took in dozens of family and friends over the years for as long as they needed. If anyone was ever in a time of need she was always there to help.

She loved 50’s music, Sonic hotdogs with a diet coke, long car rides that were filled with deep conversations, praying, cooking amazing southern comfort foods that her granny taught her to make. She was family famous for her fried chicken, mashed potatoes, meatloaf, chicken casserole, and chocolate and peanut butter fudge. She loved family camping trips, having secret candy stashes, shopping, and spending every moment with her family. As a young girl she belonged to a church in McRoberts, Kentucky. Later in life she became a member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church in Paris, Tennessee. Her faith meant everything to her, she was a true believer in Jesus and honored God in the way she lived her life every day.

She is survived by her loving husband, William Max Harlow, children Patty (Nelson) Majado, Glenda Harlow (Ron Bakun), and Jeffrey Meadows, grandchildren Jason (Gennell), Joshua, and Jacob Majado, Samantha Taylor (Wilfredo Terraza), Bailey and Brianna Harlow; and great-grandchildren Jacoby and Max Taylor, siblings Glenna (Don) DeAngleis, Jerry (Bridget), Roger (Shelda), and David (Mari) Fleming, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her beloved parents, Georgie Russell Fleming and Margaret Virginia (Blevins) Fleming, siblings Rhonda and Larry Fleming, niece Debbie Harris and nephew Michael Fleming. Arrangements for a celebration of life will take place in Michigan and Kentucky at later dates.