Patricia Binion Gordy Hill

Many things can be said about Patricia Binion Gordy Hill. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Patricia was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Patricia was born on March 26, 1956 at City County Hospital in LaGrange, Georgia. Her parents were Gene and Shirley Binion. Patricia was raised in LaGrange, Georgia. When she was young, Patricia's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Patricia demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Patricia grew up with five siblings. She had one sister, Shirley, and four brothers, Larry, Dennis, Kenneth, and Guy. Patricia was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Patricia carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Patricia was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

As a young girl, Patricia was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Patricia could easily relate to other kids. In her spare time she liked playing with her sister. However, to Patricia, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years, Patricia had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Troup High School in 1973. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Patricia had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Patricia was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Patricia as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.

Always considered a “good” friend, Patricia sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Patricia always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Patricia’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Patricia would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Patricia was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends.

Patricia’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother. Patricia shared these values with her daughter, Shannon. Patricia related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. Children have always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

In 1995, Patricia was introduced to a man by the name of Gary Hill. They were actually set up for their date by Gary’s ex-sister-in-law. They enjoyed their first date, but Patricia ended up leaving her umbrella in his car. The next day, Gary returned the umbrella, and the two began to date. Gary would fly from Florida at least every two weeks. Gary finally proposed, and the two were married at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church. They then moved to Winterhaven, Fla. where Patricia’s love of family created a new home. After Gary’s retirement, they moved back to LaGrange.

Patricia experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was that of office manager. She was employed for LaGrange Eye Clinic for many years and worked for two different doctors in Florida. Patricia always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Patricia took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Patricia was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Patricia continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Because she was organized and methodical, Patricia took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, fishing and cooking. Patricia enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Patricia’s faith was important to her. She was a member of First Baptist Church on the Square. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation. At Christmas, she and a team would work hours upon hours decorating the church to bring in the season.

Patricia enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Patricia were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included going to the beach with her family.

Patricia passed away on March 14, 2010 at Hospice LaGrange in LaGrange, Georgia. Patricia fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by her husband, Gary W. Hill of LaGrange; a daughter, Shannon (Kevin) Haynes of LaGrange; a step-daughter, Sina (Ron) Sirani of Winter Haven, FL; a step-son, Gannon (Becky) Hill of Lakeland, FL; parents, Gene and Shirley Binion of LaGrange; a sister, Shirley (Jack) Morman of LaGrange; four brothers, Larry Binion, Dennis Binion, and Kenneth (Debbie) Binion, all of LaGrange, and Guy (Gigi) Binion of Rome; grandchildren, Sam and Clayton, Sirani, Braden, Tyler and Grayson Haynes; and several nieces and nephews. Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Baptist Tabernacle with Rev. Paul Blair officiating. Patricia was laid to rest in Meadoway Gardens Cemetery.

Throughout her life, Patricia was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. Family meant everything to her. Nothing was more important than her family. She was imaginative, original, tender-hearted and easy to get along with. Patricia leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Patricia Binion Gordy Hill.