MAPLE HILL  -  Patricia Elizabeth Yates Padgett, 80, of Maple Hill died peacefully Sunday, April 20, 2025 in her home in Maple Hill, NC surrounded by the love of her family.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Pineland Evangelical Presbyterian Church with Pastors David Love and Preston Wells officiating.  Burial will follow at the Ida Padgett Cemetery.

She was born on October 13, 1944 in Emporia, VA to the late Lewis and Virginia Yates.   A devoted mother of four, Patricia poured her heart into raising her family. She shared a long and loving marriage of sixty-two years with her husband, Vernon Earl Padgett, and together they built a life centered around family, love, and resilience. That life was built upon the foundation of Christ, whose presence guided her in all that she did and gave her strength, purpose, and peace.  In her professional years, she owned and operated Tarheel Spas and Pools as well as A Floral Affair, a flower shop—both located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Her creativity, dedication, and warmth touched many in the community she served. Beyond her career, Patricia found joy and meaningful pleasures in spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her beloved pets.  Patricia was a faithful member of Pineland Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where she worshipped for over 60 years. One of her greatest joys in life was providing floral arrangements for the church—each week and on holidays—sharing her love for beauty and nature with her congregation.  Most would know "Ms. Pat" for her famous peach and blueberry cobblers.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lewis Frances Yates; her beloved step-father, Donald Ray Courtney; her mother, Virginia Reece Yates Courtney; and her loving grandson, Ivey "Miles" Padgett, Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband, Vernon E. Padgett of the home; her brother, Thomas Yates (Betty) of Jacksonville, NC; and her sister, Shirley Rawls (Donald) of Maple Hill, NC who will continue to cherish her memory. She is also survived by her loving children: her daughters, Tammy Swanhart (William) and Daphne Padgett Reynolds, both of Maple Hill, NC; her sons, Lex Padgett (Sharon) and Ivey Padgett (Holly), both of Maple Hill, NC. Patricia also leaves behind a lasting legacy through her beloved grandchildren: Matthew Guinn (Biannca), Jessica Reynolds, Lex Padgett Jr., Mikeal Swanhart, and Erin Rossi Rose (Sean); and her adored great-grandchildren: Kambry and Lowen Guinn, and Harper and Piper Rose. Each a testament to the love and strength she embodied.

Patricia's strength, spirit, and nurturing heart left a lasting imprint on everyone who had the blessing of knowing her. Though she has left this world, her legacy lives on in her family, her faith, and the many lives she touched through her love and generosity.

The family will receive friends Friday afternoon, prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM at the church.  Floral orders may be sent to Jones Funeral Home, 303 Chaney Avenue, Jacksonville, NC.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty she so adored and the love she so freely gave.