Patricia Smith Kohler

Patricia S. Kohler, 88, of Wadmalaw Island, S.C., passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. Born March 7, 1937, in Anderson, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Roston Miels Smith and Ethel Hunt Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. Kohler; her brother, Miels Smith Jr.; and her sister, Margaret “Peggy” Whitlock.

Pat is survived by her son, Edwin H. Pettus (Barbara) of Princeton, WV; granddaughters, Sarah Pettus of Columbia, and Megan Ayscue (Spencer) of Winston-Salem, N.C.; her daughter, Coleen Strasburger of Columbia; granddaughter, Lauren Ward Cruz of Queens, N.Y.; great-granddaughter, Lydia Grace and great-grandson, Noah Dustin; her niece, Valerie Ross Whitlock Leesch (Jim) of Chicago, IL; her stepdaughter, Carolyn Brown (Jim) of John’s Island, S.C., and their 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her stepson, Albert Kohler (Carol) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and their three grandchildren.

Pat moved from Anderson, S.C. to Charleston, S.C. in 1960. She worked for many years as manager of 7-11 stores in the Charleston area, most notably on Wappoo Road. Later, she worked alongside her husband Robert in his business delivering The Post and Courier.

She loved Wadmalaw Island deeply and, in 1981, began a litter campaign that grew into Keep Wadmalaw Beautiful, now funded through Palmetto Pride. On May 14, 2022, she became the first recipient of the KWB Service Award and was honored with a park bench at the Wadmalaw Island Community Center for her 44 years of dedication to the cleanup campaigns.

Pat’s life was filled with joy and connection. She never met a stranger and her easy laughter and warm heart drew people in wherever she went. She loved to dance, often lighting up gatherings with her energy and charm, and she shared her artistry through the sweetgrass baskets she wove with care. She was a loving wife and mother and a devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal Church on John’s Island, S.C.

In her later years, Pat moved to Columbia, in the trusted care of her daughter, Coleen. She found a wonderful community at Laurel Crest Retirement Community, where she embraced life fully, attending activities, playing Bingo, enjoying Happy Hour, joining workouts, and working on puzzles with her daughter. She was known for her quick wit, her radiant smile, and her ability to make any room brighter.

A special thanks to all who took care of her at LC. She formed a special bond with her aide, Ray Miller, who grew to love her like family.

In keeping with her wishes, Pat will be cremated and a service will be held at a later date at her home on Wadmalaw Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wadmalaw News, PO Box 3, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487 or Laurel Crest Retirement Community, 100 Joseph Walker Drive, West Columbia SC 29169.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.