Frances "Pat" Patricia (Bateman) Jordal

She was born on August 19, 1931 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Louis Edward Bateman and Adele Margaret Mullen. The family moved to Norfolk, Virginia shortly afterwards where she attended James Monroe Elementary and Blair Middle, then she returned to Philadelphia to attend the Kensington High School for Girls, before eventually settling in Virginia Beach. Among her proudest careers, she operated switchboard for the Bell Telephone Company, worked for Burger King's parent company Chart House as an accountant, and served with distinction for the Christian Broadcasting Network for many happy and productive years. She is survived by her brother William Bateman (Susan) of Norfolk, Va.; by her sister Joann Bateman Simms of Chesapeake, Va; by her sister Susan Blount (Larry) of Virginia Beach, Va.; her children William Jordal (Kathleen) of Chesapeake, Va; Edward Jordal (Deborah) of Wilmington, NC; and Patricia Sam of Clarksburg, MD; her beloved grandchildren Michelle, Elizabeth, Stephanie, Ana, Michael and Sean, among many other great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Those who had the privilege of looking into her brilliant blue-green eyes found themselves met with a warm, gregarious smile, tireless sense of love, life, humor and energy, and a keen sense of adamant, formidable convictions. Her interests included gardening, cooking, genealogy, ceramics, painting, sewing, refinishing furniture and singing. She was a member of the Greater Tidewater Chapter of the Sweet Adelines and sang in many halls across the east coast. In her later years, Pat's life was further defined by her unwavering devotion to her faith, and she found great fulfillment in Bible study, volunteering at her church's food pantry, and in supporting Christians overseas in missionary work. Her love for nature kept her closer to the presence of the Lord, as she traveled to the illuminating experiences of the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and the botanical gardens of England; in her own backyard, she cared for many plants, flowers, trees, and an interest in birding kept her finding solace and delight in observing the diverse colors and shapes of Virginia landscape.

She found immense joy in preparing delicious meals for her family, each dish infused with love and warmth and Southern hospitality. The dining table was a place of connection and celebration, where blessings were to be counted. In her kitchen she would often be heard softly humming or singing her favorite hymns and songs, finding solace and joy in familiar tunes that uplifted her spirit; in fact, if you asked her a question in the middle of her cooking, she might just start playfully singing an old tune in response, clearly and loudly, with gusto. Her recipes will continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

Pat leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and compassion. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends, who forever hold her memory close to their hearts. Though she has departed from this earthly realm, her spirit lives on in the lives she touched and the seeds of love and faith she planted.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Pat's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday July 29, 2023 at Kempsville Presbyterian 805 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com for the Jordal family.