Patricia Slaughter Harmon

Patricia Slaughter Harmon, 80, of Mechanicsville, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Bernice Slaughter and is survived by her husband, James Arthur “Fred” Harmon; children, Tracey Elizabeth Harmon (Andrew Scott); Gregg Allen Harmon and Mary-Amanda “Mandy” Louise Harmon; her fur babies, Maggie Mae, Fiona, Zillie and Tela; cousins, Allen Layne, Annette Infante and Glen Hines; and many beloved nephews, nieces and friends that she treated as her own children or grandchildren, especially Julie, Chris and Evan Dauksys.

On Christmas Eve 1942, a wide–eyed, curious, and observant, baby girl entered the world intent on solving life’s greatest mysteries. Pat’s early investigations centered around her immediate world of family. She observed from her grandma’s kitchen, with her grandfather at New Bridge Baptist Church, and from her parents’ house on Nine Mile Road. From a young age, she sought out answers from books. She could always be found with one in her hand. Pat developed a love of mysteries and the detective genre. She also looked for answers in The Bible. She would seek out knowledge at school and at church with her dear friend Louise (Korusek) Lee.

After graduating from Highland Springs High School, Pat attended RPI to study journalism, and while learning about the investigative world, she met James and turned her observations to the vast world of love, which included the fascinating study of country culture and family. While learning about cornbread and pinto beans, she decoded new accents of her husband’s hometown, Chase City, Virginia. She studied with a keen eye the culture of a very big family, as she in turn became a part of one. Included in her training was the ability to memorize names, track lineages, and translate dialects.

Her formal studies at RPI turned to education where she graduated in 1966. For 38 years, she shared her knowledge of observation, investigation, and reading with fourth and fifth graders at Seven Pines and Sandston Elementary. She also helped inspire her “other daughter”, Julie, to enter the teaching profession and become a lifelong lover of books. But, her greatest caper was figuring out the mysteries of raising a family. She observed the needs and desires of T, G and M. She actively developed them into sleuths as well, helping them navigate through the waters of sports, dance, band, and academic competitions. Though each was unique, she determined they all shared something in common - they all craved their mumma’s love. And even though they debated who she loved the most, they all eventually knew she loved The Eldest, The Baby Bird, and The Baby just the same. She made each one feel loved, valued, and heard, which leads to one of her greatest investigative talents - patience.

Pat shared the gift of patience with so many of her “other children” - nieces, nephews, godchildren, family friends, and her kids’ friends. She listened to their triumphs, successes, and sorrows without judgment (after all, a good detective is impartial and objective). So many considered her a second mom.

One of Pat’s cherished fields of study involved pets, starting from an early age with dogs and even a one-legged chicken. Her detective’s mind was vexed, challenged and overjoyed by the world’s most mystifying of creatures - cats. She showered her furbabies and grand furbabies with love and patience. In the end, she treasured Maggie Mae, Fiona, and Zillie.

Upon her retirement, her thirst for knowledge turned to places unseen. She loved a good cruise, taking in sites and cultures throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and Northern Europe. She traveled with James, T, G & M to the UK, the Azores, and Ireland.

She embedded herself in the community, too, as a member of her church’s YAs and the Refreshment Committee, serving as Secretary for the Highland Springs Women’s Club, and reading with the Atlee Book Club. She also investigated the world of volunteerism and spent hundreds of hours fielding calls at Feed More. She observed and listened to people during their times of need and most vulnerable. She beamed with pride upon receiving the President’s Bronze Volunteer Service Award in the fall of 2022.

Did she solve the greatest of mysteries? Yes, she did, and the answer was and always will be “LOVE”.

The family will receive friends Sunday, April 23, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231. A funeral service will be held Monday, April 24, at 2 p.m. at New Bridge Baptist Church, 5701 Elko Rd., Sandston, VA 23150. Interment will follow in Washington Memorial Park.

Donations may be made to Feed More or your favorite veteran’s, church, children’s or other non-profit organization. Online condolences may be made at www.nelsenrichmond.com.