Pat was born in Lynchburg on August 2, 1941, and lived a life marked by fierce loyalty, unwavering honesty, and deep love for those she held close. She was never one to hide her feelings or tell people only what they wanted to hear. Those who knew her best knew exactly where they stood with her. While that honesty could sometimes be challenging, it was also one of the qualities that made her genuine and unforgettable.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Nolan P. Burton; her parents, Raymond Lee Hicks and Arlean Drinkard Hicks Sandifer; two brothers, Raymond L. Hicks, Jr. and David Kent Hicks; her grandson, Christopher Patrick Cooper and her maternal grandparents Harry and Sadie Drinkard.
She is survived by two daughters, Cynthia B. Cooper and husband Keyto and Regina B. Butler and husband David; her brother, Daniel Sandifer and wife Vickie; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind additional family members and many friends.
To those she loved, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, family member, and friend. She celebrated the accomplishments of others, offered support during difficult times, and was often the first person to cheer on those she cared about. Her generosity, strength, and determination left a lasting impact on many lives.
She enjoyed photography and was known for taking pictures at every event she attended. Her stories, laughter, and strong opinions will be remembered by all who knew her.
Pat was a longtime member of Thomas Road Baptist Church. She worked at Thomas Road for twenty years and retired from Liberty University where she served as an archivist. She graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Education.
A service celebrating her life and faith will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Old Thomas Road Pate Chapel, 707 Thomas Road, with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating. Interment will follow in Presbyterian Cemetery.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church in Tyner, NC.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to Thomas Road Baptist Church Hope of Life Ministry or to the Thomas Road Outpost Ministry, www.trbc.org.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
