Patricia Casey Benedict

She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Charles E. Benedict, her daughter, Sharla Benedict Region and son-in-law, Brian Region of Tallahassee, and her granddaughter, Zinnia Ann Miette Region. She also leaves behind a large and devoted extended family, including brothers Allan Casey and Kelly Casey of Winter Haven, Florida, sisters-in-law, Judi McGinnis of Tallahassee and Mary Ann Clarke of Monticello, as well as five nephews, six nieces, eleven grand-nephews, and eight grand-nieces, all dearly loved.

Pat was born in DeFuniak Springs on March 17, 1941 to parents James Lincoln Casey and Ruth Kelly Casey. She grew up in Perry, FL, where she enjoyed school, sports, swimming, family, Dekle Beach, and a wide and boisterous group of friends. She graduated from Taylor County High School in 1959 and went on to attend Florida State University, where she met her husband Ched. They were married August 26, 1962 and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Pat received her B.A. in Elementary Education in 1964 and went on to teach school for many years in Alachua and Leon Counties. She was still in touch with many of her former students, who remember her kindness and warmth. Pat went on to act as CFO of Benedict Engineering Company until her retirement in 2003, and continued on as a member of the Board of Directors.

Pat was an active member of Holy Cross Anglican Church and a woman of strong Christian faith. She belonged to many groups and gave of her time and talents freely to those in need. She will be sorely missed by the Ivy-Daisy Garden Club, her bridge club, her homemakers group, PEO, her church, and a large, adoring group of friends. She was an avid Seminole fan and Booster and was known to get pretty rowdy both at home and away games.

Pat will be remembered by those who love her as both worldly and homespun, just as familiar with collard greens as with duck comfit, as a lover of beauty, and a connoisseur of design and style. She was compassionate and glamorous, a fantastic cook, a wonderful gardener and flower arranger, a devoted wife and mother, a proud grandmother, a nurturer, and a teacher. Her mischievous sense of humor, easy laughter, passionate nature, and genuine concern for others made her the life of many parties. She was complex and soulful, loved music, theatre, and dancing, adored children and was a loyal friend. She understood what made people happy and put her abundant energy into doing so.

A service will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, December 18 at Killearn United Methodist Church and a viewing Tuesday evening, December 17 from 6 – 8 PM at Killearn United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Holy Cross Anglican Church or Big Bend Hospice.