Patricia Lynn Beyer Morton Meagher, 78, was born on January 31, 1946 to John Fredrich & Patricia Irene Beyer in Oceanside, California near Camp Pendleton. Jesus granted her eternal freedom at midnight on April 8, 2024 with her daughters by her side at Walker Hospice in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Although unable to view Monday's eclipse, she loved all things beautiful and otherworldly. Her passing after that event is fitting. Patty was truly a blazing star, never one to be ignored.
Growing up in Colorado gave Patricia a deep thankfulness for God's amazing creation. Cherokee roots run deep through her Grandpa Ross, who mined precious metals through the 1950s and helped her explore their Lookout Mountain surroundings. Patricia met Sonny Morton while riding her horse in Littleton. After their elopement to Mexico, they settled in El Dorado, Arkansas. She learned work ethics at Samples Dept. Store and Dwayne Smith Florist. One of her favorite mentors was local icon, D.R. James, Jr.
After her El Dorado High School graduation, Patricia and Sonny moved to a busy neighborhood at Main and 13th St. in Little Rock. His promotions with the Fuller Brush Company took them to Memphis, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky. Upon returning to El Dorado, the couple opened The Flower Shoppe. Patricia credited her father with believing in her and helping fund her dream. Pat and Sonny expanded the shop to include a Western Union office for telegrams and fund transfers, wedding equipment rentals with an on-site seamstress, specialty flocked Christmas trees, and delivery for Ragsdale Pharmacy. Her designs became known for their ethereal touches of sparkle and whimsy. Patricia even pitched for her Flower Shoppe softball team, co-sponsored by Tastee Freeze.
Breaks from Arkansas' sweltering summers were enjoyed picnicking at Calion Lake's Crabapple Point and socializing on the Ouachita River sand bar. Patricia and her feisty bay stallion, Rebel, joined the El Dorado Riding Club for parade appearances, rides throughout Union County, and an epic trip along the Old Spanish Trail.
Life changes took Patty to Little Rock for a couple years. She rebuilt her life in El Dorado by establishing La Pegasus Florist, with inspiration from the pegasus family in 1940's "Fantasia." Patricia's love for the Lord deepened after joining the First Church of God and professing her salvation through baptism. Her precious sister in Christ, Mary Dean Setliff, loved her like family. Patricia prayed for her wonderful employees and followed Christ's forgiving nature. She and Sonny remained friends after their divorce, working together at the new shop during busy seasons. Our family was blessed by their example, never having to divide our time at holidays or special events. All were welcome.
Few people find lasting love in the sunset of life. Patricia was an exception. Patrick Meagher gave his last 26 years as her devoted husband. Pat & Patty delighted in making others feel special, by opening their home, hosting fabulous trips, and bringing the family together at Razorback games. She was easily the Hogs' most boisterous fan! Patty's fascination with cinema led her & Patrick to book a classic movie cruise, where they met film legend Debbie Reynolds. Generosity became Patricia's great joy, supporting her church, UCAPS, and Wounded Warriors, plus gifting in-person "perks" to many she encountered.
Preceding her in death were her grandparents, Ross & Rosa Carmichael and John & Ottilie Beyer; aunts, Sylvia Carmichael and Zibby; her parents; father- and mother-in-law, Manuel & Hazel Morton; sister, Jean Landis Raymond; ex-husband, "Sonny" M.M. Morton; and husband, Patrick Meagher.
Patricia's great love lives on in the legacy of her daughters, Rosalee Isabelle Morton Meeks & Johnye Ross Morton (Jason) Gober; grandchildren, Christina, Stephen, Casey, & Heather Meeks, Bayley Gober, and Brooke Gober (Grant) Fletcher; great-grandchildren, Noah Darnall, "Mia" Midori & Avalon Meeks, and Sye & Bristol Meeks; siblings, Lou Ann (Dan) Link, David (April) Beyer, and Cherlyn (Jim) Pilcher; sisters-in-law, Rozanne (Frank) Pope, Patti (Glenn) Weber, and Pam (Clarence) Cooley; brothers-in-law, Michael Morton and Larry Meagher; extended family & friends, and beloved pet, Tiger.
Celebration of Life services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 19, 2024 in Young's Chapel. Burial will follow at Bethel Baptist Primitive Cemetery, directed by Young's.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 18 at Young's Funeral Directors of Distinction.
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