Patricia Eleanor Smith

Her family was from the Knoxville area of East Tennessee, but they were living in Atlanta, GA when Pat was born in 1940 to the late Charles E. Mills, Sr. and Ruby S. Mills. The family moved back to Tennessee and Pat grew up in the town of Jellico as a member of the First Baptist Church. She graduated from Jellico High School and Cumberland College. She also attended the University of Tennessee, the Greenville S.C. Art Museum School of Design, and Converse College.

Pat was married to her high school sweetheart, William E. “Bill” Smith Sr., for over 57 years, and they began married life together in West Palm Beach, Florida before moving to Hillsboro, Ohio. Pat was a schoolteacher before giving birth to her two sons and remained active as a volunteer in their schools before working in interior design and furniture sales. The family settled in Greenville, SC in 1974. Pat was a long-time member of Edwards Road Baptist Church where she formed many strong friendships over the years.

Pat was the spiritual center of her family. Her faith and love kept the family strong through the years. Her sense of humor brightened many moments. Pat enjoyed her flowers, watching sunsets from the back porch, Bill’s vegetable garden, and University of Tennessee Football where she held season tickets for over a decade. She was the most wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, friend, and confidant. She will be greatly missed by her family.

Surviving Pat are her husband Bill Sr., her son and daughter-in-law William E. Smith Jr. and Tiffani M. Smith, son Michael D. Smith, her grandchildren William E. “Will” Smith III and Madelyn “Mady” Grace June Smith all of Greenville, SC; sisters-in-law Helen S. McNealy of Newport, TN, Karen Raines of Aroda, VA, Betty Smith of Piedmont, SC, and Catherine Mills of Inman, SC; and a host of special nieces, nephews, and their families. Pat was also loved by many dear friends who will deeply miss her.

Along with her parents, Pat was preceded by her brothers Charles Eugene Mills Jr., Edwin “Eddie” Roland Mills, Earl Lynn Mills, and her sister Margaret “Peggy” Eugenia Granath.

There will be a memorial service for Pat Smith at Edwards Road Baptist Church, on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 12:00 noon eastern conducted by Pastor Aaron Rayburn. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park with Pastor Aaron Rayburn officiating. Masks are suggested in-doors.

The family expresses their gratitude for the care from oncologist Dr. Mark O’Rourke, family doctor Ronald Phillips, and hospice nurse Laura Harvey among others.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Edwards Road Baptist Church at 1050 Edwards Road; Greenville, South Carolina; 29615.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawn-fh.com for the SMITH family.