Patricia Pinkard

Patricia “Pat” Saunders Pinkard passed away at home, surrounded by the love of her family, on February 17, 2026. She was a woman of remarkable heart and vision, whose lifelong dedication to loved ones left an enduring mark on her family, friends, and community.

Pat was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on May 13, 1941, to the late Lawrence Nelson Saunders and Anne Eloise Beck Saunders. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 66 years, Earl Pinkard, who proposed under The Star on Mill Mountain in Roanoke. Pat is also survived by two daughters, Sherri Saunders (Ray) and Julie Pinkard (Mary Beth); grandchildren, Mandy Saunders (Maura), Marsha Richardson (Casey), Mikey Adcock, and Amelia Adcock; great-grandchildren, Shiloh, Jay, Abby, and Maddy, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Pat married Earl at eighteen, moved to Richmond, started a family, and settled into the Shenandoah neighborhood in North Chesterfield. She became lifelong friends with neighbors as she raised her girls in a close-knit community that celebrated the beginning and end of summer each year with potluck picnics. Six decades later, living in the same house, children still knock on the door to ask if Ms. Pat can come outside.

Pat was a devoted mother whose greatest gift was her presence - always making sure her children had everything they needed while supporting their interests. She enjoyed spending time with two generations of grandchildren by attending their games, meets, plays, concerts, and performances. More recently, she looked forward to summers and holidays when she could spend precious time with her great-grandchildren.

While raising her girls, Pat served in leadership roles at the Reams Road Athletic Club and the Girl Scouts. Once she became an empty nester, Pat, with her trailblazing vision and love for children, founded AAU basketball for girls in Richmond. Affectionately known as “Mama Blaze,” she led James River Blaze AAU from 1984 to 2020, helping community basketball players compete at the state and national levels. She treasured the relationships she formed along the way. Pat was extremely proud to know that hundreds of James River Blaze players had the opportunity to attend college through scholarships and grants—a legacy that meant so much to her.

Ms. Pat, Nanny Pat, Nana, Grandma, Mom, or Pat had a rare and beautiful gift for making those around her feel truly seen. She paid close attention to the lives of those she loved, remembering their interests and joys. Whether through a perfectly worded note, a carefully selected card, or a gift chosen just for them, she truly nurtured those she loved.

The determination and grit that she showed in her final battle were a testament to her love for life.

The family will receive friends on Friday March 6th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7th, at 12:00 p.m., at the Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Rd., Midlothian, Va., 23113. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (https://tribute.ocrahope.org/patriciapinkard).