Genolin "Trixie" Patrick

Imagine the warmest, most joyful and infectious laugh you’ve ever heard. You might be hearing the memory of Genolin “Trixie” Patrick’s laughter. Trixie was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose family inspired her to laugh much and to laugh long. In return, her laughter put those around her in a good mood.

Born in Campton, KY, Trixie was southern through and through. Whether it was her enjoyment of fishing, her love of Bluegrass festivals, or relaxing in a rocker outside, Trixie never lost her southern roots. Although she called Michigan home when she passed away on May 14, 2021, “Grams,” as her grandchildren lovingly called her, still made biscuits and gravy and green beans with bacon grease. She taught her children to behave properly and was friendly with everyone she met.

When asked what words they would use to describe her, many of her family included “kind” at the top of the list. Trixie was a compassionate woman who loved to take care of others. This passion for helping people led her to a career as a nurse’s aide. Even outside of work, Trixie was a caregiver and offered assistance to friends who were ill or needed a helping hand.

Laughter almost always accompanied the stories told, even if Trixie was laughing at herself. A favorite was when Trixie’s son, Dennis, shared egg rolls with her for the first time. After she’d eaten them and raved about how good they were, Dennis told her they had shrimp in them. She insisted she could feel them crawling up her neck, even as she laughed about it, even recalling in her final hours that “Dennis shouldn’t have done that to her”!

“Let go and Let God,” found inspiration to her son David and daughter-in-law Barb, and that faith helped her survive scary movie get-togethers with grandchildren Michelle, and others, as the movies were laden with moments of fright that scared her more than them. For Zion and the other great-grandchildren, they will forever cherish the Christmases they had with their Grams, and how special she made each of them feel. Memories are abundant for her grandchildren from the shared birthday and the sublime walks and talks with grandson Joseph to the affable wedding photo themed in the 1920’s with Nikki which included “real” (though un-loaded) guns! And, yes, there were road trips, many road trips which Trixie knew weren’t measured by mile markers but by moments shared, enjoyed and remembered. Brian says it best for each of her little ‘darlings’, “Grams I love you so much… you are the best grams anyone could have!”

Trixie was one of 11 children and was the only one to graduate from high school. Her work ethic continued into adulthood as she raised four children, never letting that challenge take away her joy. “Cheerful” and “bubbly” are also words used repeatedly to describe Trixie. Her family brought her happiness as did her relationship with Jesus. A spiritual woman, she taught her kids and grandkids by example to love God and family and to never give up.

Born April 27, 1941, to Kye and Pearl (Banks) Hollon, Trixie is preceded in death by her husband Paul, son Dennis McKnight, granddaughter Melissa Rios, and grandson Bradley McKnight. She is survived by her daughter Dawn Rios; sons David (Barb) McKnight and Daniel (Christina) McKnight; grandchildren Michelle (Ted), Shannon (Don), Tara, Brian, Billy (Kelsie), Nikki (George), Joseph (Ashley), Alex and Jovie; and many great-grandchildren who all filled her immaculately spotless home with love and devotion.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Thursday, May 20, at the Faith Apostolic Church of Troy, 6710 Crooks Road, Troy, MI. The visitation will be from 1-3 pm that same day at the church. Contributions may be made in Trixie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678.