My wife, Patricia Purser Barrow, 74, passed away at home near Matthews, Georgia, on February 15, 2022, after a three-year illness. We knew her disease was incurable; still, she bore it with grace and equanimity. Although she suffered brain cancer and some mental functions were impaired, her mind remained clear in essential respects until the end. Everything that needed to be said was said.

Patty was the daughter of William Harley Purser and Alma Redwine Purser, born in Atlanta on August 30, 1947. She is survived by her son, James Alexander Barrow and wife, La’shanta; grandson, Zachary Watson Barrow; and sister Betty Godwin.

Patty was a beautiful lady, both physically and in spirit. She was energetic, intelligent, talented, and had a special knack for turning the ordinary objects of daily life into something approaching works of art. I suspect Patty mainly selected vegetables based on their appearance in a kitchen table still-life rather than how good they were to eat. She was a passionate quilter, creating stunning, intricate designs that she took great pleasure gifting to some favored person. Patty was an accomplished gardener, something she inherited from her mother, bringing on a frenzy of activity every spring. Add to that excellent cook, passable fisherman, and eagerness to go anywhere with me no matter how rough. Wilderness, tents, black flies, bears, cold, it did not matter, she wanted to go.

I loved her as she loved me. Patty was the blessing of my life. She has taken care of me since we were 18, and in these last years of illness, it has been my turn and privilege to take care of her. Everything in life has been easier because of her.

Patty will be honored at a memorial service held at the residence, 2080 Barrow Road, Keysville, Georgia, at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 23rd. All are welcome.

Jeb Barrow