Patricia Ann Skelton

Patricia Ann Skelton, born on March 17, 1944, in Meridian, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023, at the age of 79.

Mrs. Pat, as she was referred to by those closest to her, was a devoted wife and beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a faithful prayer warrior and a friend to all those fortunate enough to cross her path this side of Heaven.

First and foremost, Pat's focus was her family. A loving preacher's wife, she and Barry were married 42 years before he went to be with the Lord in 2012. Together they raised four children and welcomed their sons and daughters-in-love with open arms. They also treated any child that walked through the doors of their home as their own. This is evident in the loving way many refer to her as not just Mrs. Pat, but Momma Pat as well. Her children and grandchildren can attest to the assurance she often gave that they "would never be too big to sit in her lap", if only to be reminded that they would always have someone in their corner, praying for them when times were less than perfect. Always the encourager, she loved hard and prayed harder.

Mrs. Pat worked diligently to always see the good in everyone she met. She built solid relationships with her co-workers in her 27 years of working as an administrative assistant in the exceptional child education department of both Meridian Public Schools and Union Public Schools prior to retirement. She left a lasting impression of loving her coworkers, listening without judgment, encouraging others, and helping out whenever and with whatever was needed. Selfless and service-focused were two outstanding characteristics found within her work ethic.

As a pastor's wife, Mrs. Pat continued her legacy of love and encouragement while supporting Bro. Barry at every appointment to which he was assigned in the Mississippi Methodist conference. She was the music to his ministry, often volunteering in any capacity where her love of music and her love of God could be used. She was always there to support others along their spiritual journey and would pray for anyone, at anytime and in any place. Church wasn't just a building that she graced on Sundays or Wednesday night. It was the Walmart parking lot, a long van trip with the youth, a Friday night get together at a fish camp and so many other places. She practiced what she preached, and encouraged others to do the same.

Patricia Ann Skelton will forever be remembered for her kindness, compassion, encouragement, love and unwavering dedication to those she met. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her, and her memory will be carried in their hearts forever.

In honor of Patricia's life, a funeral service will be held on September 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, with Rev. Paul Raley and Rev. Davey Wilkerson officiating. Following the funeral service, Patricia will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be Allen Skelton, Connor Skelton, Justin Skelton, Larry Smith, Mitch Skelton, Tom Hammett, Dave Beale, and Greer Goldman. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Visitation will take place on September 25, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the same location. These ceremonies will provide an opportunity for family, friends, and acquaintances to pay their respects, share their memories, and find solace in one another's presence during this challenging time.

Survivors include her children, Misty (Tom) Hammett, Mitch (Cindy) Skelton, Allen (Angela) Skelton, and Leah (Larry) Smith. Grandchildren Justin (Lauren) Skelton, Connor (Hannah) Skelton. Grandchildren-in-love, Victoria (James) Farmer, Norma Chae’ (Bobby) Sikes, Nicholas Isaac, Tim (Angela) Dearman, Jessica (Michael) Newton, Rebecca Dearman, Kerissa (Charlie) Gibson, and Reba Flores.

Great-grandchildren, Lyric Skelton, baby girl Wrenly Rae Skelton. Great-Grandchildren-in-love, Corey Denson, Callie Sikes, Jayden Sikes, TJ Farmer, JJ Farmer, Jessica Farmer, Gabby Newton, Arianna Newton, Esmee Newton, Kaidence Dearman, Anthony Monk, Ryan Dearman, McKenna Gibson, Khale Gibson and Karleigh Gibson. Sisters-in-Law Kay (Harold) Jones, Paula (Roy) Givens and Cindy (Chris) Peden, and a host of cousins who treated her like a sister.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. George Barry Skelton, parents Allen Leo and Dorothy Mae Mitchell, and parents-in-law Rev. George A and Helen Skelton.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the Aldersgate Community for being dedicated to checking in on her daily at her little cottage and being so in tune with her day to day routines. Knowing she was in such great hands as part of the community was truly a blessing.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.