Patricia Bernard Smith

Patricia B. Smith, 86, of Amherst, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, February 1, 2024 and now is reunited with her late husband David Morris Smith. Pat was born at home in Campbell County on January 14, 1938 and was the daughter of the late Robert T. Bernard, Jr., and Louise Henson Bernard. Pat graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1957 and went on to attend the Virginia Baptist Hospital’s School of Nursing where she graduated in 1960 as an RN; while a student at VBH she met the love of her life, Dave, and they were married on November 5, 1960. At the beginning of their marriage Pat and Dave lived in Lynchburg, she worked at VBH and for Public Health. They moved to Fairfax where Pat worked at Fairfax Hospital for a time. When Pat and Dave moved to Charlottesville a little bit later, they settled down and Charlottesville was where their daughters were born. Pat worked for UVA Hospital, and then Martha Jefferson Hospital. In 1986, they moved their family to Amherst, where they purchased the “Funny Farm”, Pat began working for CVTS, where she eventually retired from in 2002. After retirement she volunteered with Reach to Recovery and was actively involved with the VBH Alumni Association. She also enjoyed her retirement by spending time with Dave cheering on all of her granddaughters in all of their activities. In addition to her parents and loving husband, Pat was preceded in death by her sister Brenda Bernard; her brother Ted Bernard; and her step-grandson Brandon Drumheller. Those left to cherish Pat’s memory include her daughters Karen Smith Drumheller (Gary Drumheller), Jennifer Smith Maddox (Bill Henry); her grandchildren Hope Kristina Maddox (her cat Sokka), Kate Amanda Pierce, Krystal Patricia Maddox; her step-granddaughter Amber; her great-granddaughters Naomi A. Ferguson, Destiny Drumheller, Avery Mooney, Emery Mooney, and Colby Mooney. Pat’s family will never be able to express how much love they have for this special, sweet, amazing woman! They could never thank her enough for her unconditional love and unending support as a mom, memaw, friend, and leader of her tribe of women. Her kitchen was always open for everyone – she was mom and memaw to anyone that came through her door. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Whitten Monelison Chapel from 3-5pm. Those wishing to send memorial contributions are asked to consider the Cancer Society since Pat was a breast cancer survivor, or the American Heart Association.