Patty "Pat" G. Smith

She was a resident of Harrison, Tennessee for 47 years. Pat was born to Iva Hosale and Harry Gossett on July 6th, 1933, in Ashland City, Tennessee, the youngest of nine children. She came to Chattanooga to live with one of her sisters in the late 40’s and graduated from Chattanooga Central High School in 1951. While attending CHS, she met and eloped with Joseph (Joe) Wesley Smith on December 16,1950 during their senior year. They lived apart the 1st year to keep their marriage a secret from family and friends until after graduation.

Pat’s first job was as the official photographer at Rock City’s Lover’s Leap…pretty perfect as they lived happily ever after for 72 years…until Joe’s passing last summer. Immediately after graduation, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was stationed at several locations during his tour of duty. Pat accompanied him and worked on each base…their last and most favorite base was in Key West, FL where they made lifelong, wonderful memories and adopted their first dog, Conch, a cocker spaniel. After returning home to Chattanooga, they resided in St. Elmo and started their family of 3 children and always a dog and a cat…or two. In 1960, they took their family and moved to the up and coming suburbs where they built their first home…literally. Although Pat never had a full time job, her family and a plethora of interest kept her busy full time. She had many talents and was always eager to learn something new…but only if it didn’t require a babysitter…her children were always her top priority.

She was an accomplished seamstress always willing to tackle even the most difficult projects… clothing, drapes, bedspreads, fur blankets, uniforms, formals, etc. Until her vision failed her, Pat spent most of her days at her sewing machine. At one point in the 70’s, Pat and Joe opened a neighborhood fabric store where they sold Bernina Sewing machines. On one of Joe’s many trips to Europe, he brought Pat a Bernina as a souvenir from Switzerland which turned into them becoming the area dealer and Joe was trained in their repair. It was a perfect fit for her. Not only was Pat very DIY for her time, she was also a licensed real estate agent…but that was f leeting…it took too much time away from the family but it was an experience she fondly reminisced about for years afterwards.

Pat was an excellent cook! She prepared meals for her family and friends until she could no longer stand at the stove or kitchen counter. Each of her family members had their favorites and she would make sure she prepared those for them…cornbread dressing, deviled eggs, banana pudding, Coca Cola cake, strawberry pretzel pie and so many more. If you were visiting her home, she always made sure you had eaten or that you would agree to join her for one of her delicious, southern home cooked meals before she would let you leave. She loved to cook and several years ago compiled a cookbook with over 450 plus of her recipes for her family.

As a devoted member of St. John United Methodist Church for 63 years, Pat served in many areas of the church. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women UMW, faithful member of the Joy Sunday School class, a former choir member, and church secretary in the 1960’s. She was responsible for organizing and starting the Close-knit Friends of St. John (knitting, crocheting, or whatever handwork you wanted to bring, and lots of girl talk), the Wedding Committee that involved directing, catering and decorating for church member weddings and receptions . She loved chairing the church Flea Market for many years and looked forward to the process and the fellowship with her UMW church ladies…

There is a continuing theme sewn through these paragraphs … family not fame, fortune, or status were the focus of Pat’s life …she lived her life as a committed wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother until April 14th, 2023.

She is survived by: her daughters, Beth Phillips (Johnny), Tricia Julian (Ken); son, Dr. Robin Smith (Vickie); grandchildren, Brooke Moore (Andy), Joe Julian and Jack Julian; great-granddaughter, Isabella Moore; 3 nieces and 5 nephews, as well as several great and great-greats. Pat (Mamoo) will be reunited in heaven with “Big Joe”; her granddaughter, Jordan Julian; her parents, Iva and Harry Gossett; and her 4 brothers and 4 sisters.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to St. John United Methodist Church or Hearth Hospice. Her family would like to express their appreciation to those who cared for her with such kindness and compassion … Ann Geraci & Catherine, ALC; Josh and the CNAs from Hearth Hospice; Dominion Senior Living Administration (Cody, Heather, Jennifer), nurses (Lori, Rhonda, Jessica, Jennifer) and CNAs … and her dear friends Marilyn and Bill, Norma and Bill, Saundra and Fritz … thank you.

A graveside service will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. No visitation. Pastor Carl Blackburn will be officiating.

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