Patricia Elaine (Smoke) Bates McWilliams began her eternal journey on 12/18/2024. Pat was born April 3, 1930, in Rome Township, the daughter of E.H. Smoke & Ruth J. (Hunter) Smoke Meyers.
Pat married Benjamin McWilliams on August 18, 1972, with Rev Richard Jorden officiating. Ben passed away on August 19, 2017, the day after their 45th Anniversary.
Pat worked in the Register of Deeds office and retired in 1992. She was appointed to the Lenawee Deptartment of Human Services and Medical Care boards. Where she served for 23 years.
Pat was a member of the Grace Methodist Church of Britton, a life member and Past President of Underwood Orr #34 Auxiliary and a Past President of the VFW Auxiliary.
She is survived by her sisters Beverly (Kenneth) Weasel, Deanna (Lowell) Perin, Stepson (Jeanette) Benjamin, stepdaughter Kathryn Saylor, two grandchildren Beverly Erin (Carl) Pickett, Amy Chase Kennedy, six step-grandchildren Josette Richardson, Jenna (Justin) Huff, B.J. (Kelsey) McWilliams, Andrew (Lacy) Quinn and Bibi Saylor. Great grandchildren Saiyan Michael and Sierra Nicole Pickett, McKenna, Brynn and Tatum Richardson, Donovan and Dylan Quinn, Devon, Canon, Fallon and Lennon Huff, Lilianna Saylor, Douglas and Lilianna.
Pat showed her strength after the loss of her five infant children. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Linda L. Chase, her five infant children twins Deborah and David Bates, Lana Jean Bates, Louis James Bates and Jacqlyn Ann Bates, father of her five children Russell Bates, husband Benjamin, sister Priscilla Kade and brother Jim Smoke.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday December 23, 2024 at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, MI with Rev. Willie Lass officiating. Visitation will also take place Monday December 23, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until time of funeral services.
Following the funeral services a luncheon in honor of Pat will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 9250 East Monroe Rd., Britton, MI 49229
Final resting place will be at Ridgeway Cemetery.