Obituary of Patricia Ann Hill-Smith

Patricia Ann Hill-Smith, known to all as Pat, passed away on August 1, 2024. After a few years in memory care for Alzheimer's disease, she is now at rest. Our family is so grateful to all the nurse and caregivers who helped care for Pat in her time with them. You are doing the Lord's work, God bless you all.

Born in 1945, to Ralph and Glessie Holden in Johnson City, Tennessee. Pat moved to Pensacola, Florida in 1973 with her two young daughters. She was the oldest of four girls, and soon after, her parents and two sisters relocated as well. Our family was very close, we all lived near each other, gathering at her parents on Sundays for wonderful southern meals together, with fresh biscuits all prepared by Glessie. Pat was an incredible person, with great style and taste. She was an amazing seamstress who made her own clothes, fully lined suits, as well as her daughters outfits in the 70's. Often with the help of her mother and sisters, pressing and assembling all the pieces to perfection, these fashions did not look home made. She even took in tailoring work for Gayfers department store, back in the early days.

Pat thrived in the hospitality industry, working her way up from the front desk, into an exceptional career in hotel sales, then manager for many years in the area. Always on the go, and a true people person, she bought and ran Dave's hot dog stand in Defuniak Springs once she "retired" from the hotel world. 

She is survived by her husband Kevin Smith. Her three sisters, Sandra Glass, Jerri Waters, and Sharma Hubbard. Also, by her two adoring daughters, Angela Hill and Ricki Hill.

On top of being an incredible business person, she really was the best mother of all time. Smart, creative & funny, she built a loving and supportive environment. With nurturing and discipline she taught us our strengths and set the bar high for what was possible. Pat was also super fun, and always wanted to have a good time. She wanted the best for us all, and wasn't afraid of working hard for it, or thoroughly enjoying it.

Her endless energy, love and support will be dearly missed. We know how lucky we were to have her in our lives. She cared and made a difference. Her example of pure love, joy, and strength will live on in us forever. May we all be blessed with a bit of her grit and positive perseverance in our pursuits. 

Pat was one of a kind, very loved, and will be greatly missed. Peace be with us all. Let's respect one another, because through respect comes LOVE. This is one of her greatest lessons. It was actually more direct, as a reaction to some teenage attitude she found unacceptable"You may not love me, but you will respect me, and through respect comes love." Let us all love and have compassion for one another in this life. We may even have to stand up for what's right, and insist on it.

Rest in peace and power Pat, knowing you were loved and admired by many.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Pat's memory.

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