Patricia Gill

With tremendous sadness, we announce the passing of our strong-willed, fun-loving mother, Patricia Key Gill, on September 14, 2021 at the age of 75. She was born to Joseph and Addie Bess Key on January 10, 1946, the third of four children. Known to many simply as Pat, she was a proud life-long Memphian and a staunch supporter of her beloved Memphis State Tigers.

Pat was an honored graduate of Central High School (’64). While in high school, she and her sisters developed an interest in fashion, often sewing and then swapping their own outfits. At Memphis State University (’68), she served as the chaplain of the Alpha Phi sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Education and then a Master of History.

Shortly after graduating from college and thanks to a chance encounter through a mutual friend, she met the love of her life and her dear husband for more than 50 years, Jim. In late December 1977, their first child, Michael, and a short three years later, Carolyn, were born. Family vacations were often centered around historical themed visits to museums, our nation’s capital, and walking tours. She shared her mother’s love for cooking and her most devoured dishes included sweet potato casserole, chicken enchiladas, deviled eggs and of course her mother’s recipe for chocolate fudge.

Continuing her love and never-ending desire to learn everything American History, she shared her passion for 38 years as a teacher at Southaven High School where she was known as the “hard history teacher”. While chairing the history department, she organized an annual student trip to Washington, DC where they toured American monuments, grew their knowledge of the United States government, and even met with state representatives. Renowned author and one of her favorite students, John Grisham, once honored her with a teaching award.

Pat was also an active member of Germantown United Methodist Church. She served as president for three years of Germantown United Methodist Women and chaired her women’s circle, More Friends. She was also president of her beloved Sunday School class, Fellowship Forum, where she developed many close friendships over the course of 30 years. She co-chaired the Spring Bridge and Games Benefit and Unique Boutique and was always willing to help, whether it was baking dozens of cookies for the Christmas Bake Sale or helping to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. As a member of Maternal League, she supported young mothers in need of assistance.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jim Gill, son Michael Gill (Christine) and daughter Carolyn Gwatney (Josh). She also leaves behind five grandchildren who she lovingly doted on, Addie and Sadie Gill, and Charlotte, Ella and Andrew Gwatney. Her sweet smile and caring nature will be greatly missed by many.

A visitation for Patricia will be held Monday, September 20 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Germantown United Methodist Church, 2331 S. Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to - http://umnc-memphis.org/#donate