Patricia Ann Harkins

Pat was a true daughter of the East Tennessee mountains. Born in Waldens Creek, she never lost that signature warmth, strength, and mountain-rooted faith that made her who she was. To know Pat was to be encouraged by her; she had a quiet way of making everyone feel nurtured and seen.

While many knew her as a talented church organist, Pat’s ministry went far beyond the piano bench. She was a "behind-the-scenes" hero—someone who served without needing a spotlight, whether she was doing missionary work in Haiti or helping at an inner-city church in Atlanta. That same spirit of service defined her professional life; as an expert seamstress with a sharp mind for business, Pat was a foundational presence in the family’s endeavors. From managing the accounting and operations at The Men’s Den Clothiers to navigating the complexities of the family’s commercial leasing and real estate holdings, her work ethic never wavered. She believed in doing things the right way and leading by example, proving that hard work was simply another way to care for the people she loved.

Above everything else, Pat was the heart of her family. She and her husband, David, shared 64 wonderful years of marriage, building a home where faith and love were the foundation. Her devotion to her family was evidenced in the intimate details of her life: her frequent travels to support her children in their professional pursuits, the countless hours spent in play with her grandchildren, and her habit of preparing each grandchild’s favorite meal as a personal expression of her affection.

Pat is reunited in Heaven with her husband, David; her parents, Robert and Veryle Helton; and her granddaughter, Audrey Johnson. She leaves behind a family who will miss her dearly: Her children: DeVee Morris, DeVonne Sullins, DeAnne Johnson (and husband Ben), and Tom (and wife Robin). Her grandchildren: Chad, Sam, Jake, Trey, Drew, and Caroline. Her sister: Phyllis Bailey. Her sisters-in-law: Sue Brown (Joe) and Patty Harkins. Her special nieces and nephews: Andrea Harkins Smith (Rodney and Grayson), Valerie Boatwright Ford (Ricky, Colton, Carson, and Callaway), Brent Boatwright, and Donna Glass (Chris and Elizabeth).

While we are heartbroken to say goodbye, we aren't grieving without hope. We’re leaning on the promises found in Scripture and celebrating the fact that Pat is exactly where she always aimed to be—in the presence of her Savior.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the medical team at Wellstar Oncology at Kennestone Hospital for seven years of exceptional care, as well as the compassionate staff of Amedysis Hospice for their support in her final days. They also acknowledge with gratitude the professional care and kindness provided by her primary care provider, Erin Tant, NP.

The family invites you to a celebration of life service on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Owen Funeral Home in Cartersville, GA. Visitation:11:30 a.m. Service: 1:00 p.m. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, 790 Indian Mounds Road, Cartersville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Old Savannah City Mission: https://oldsavannahcitymission.org

The Haitian Institute in Atlanta, Ga: http://haitianinstitute.org/donate.