Obituaries

Obituaries

Patricia Anita Buchanan

May 12, 1960 - October 23, 2022

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Obituary For Patricia Anita Buchanan

Patricia Anita Gray was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 12, 1960 to the late Gwendolyn Mable and Lawrence A. Gray. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Gregory Coles.

Patti graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1978 and attended Wayne State University. For 19 years she worked in banking until 1996 when she moved to Florida, where over the years she worked in insurance, real estate and medical records. In 2019, Patti graduated from Irwin Technical College with a certification for Medical Billing/Coding Associate.

Many years ago, while visiting relatives who were Jehovah’s Witnesses, Patti heard the ‘ring of truth.’ When she returned home to Detroit, she started studying the Bible with Toni, a sister who became a lifelong friend. The following year, she dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized on June 16, 1979.

No one could ever doubt her love for Jehovah and the ministry, which always came first. Then after that, she loved Cold Stone ice cream and as everyone knows, watching old movies! She also enjoyed putting puzzles together. Something else you also knew, was that if you got close enough, she would make you give her an insulin shot. Argue if you want that you didn’t want to do it, she always won! Then she would just laugh it off and talk about Jehovah or head back to the ministry. Patti would do anything for you. She was truly such a kind and caring person. She would also “speak her mind” if she felt the need to, but you always knew she still loved you.

Because of her love for Jehovah and for people, Patti wanted to expand her ministry, so she began to regular pioneer in 1988. Wanting to expand her ministry even further, she learned sign language and for ten years she served as a regular pioneer in the Tampa Sign Language Congregation. She attended Pioneer Service School in 1989 and 2006.

Throughout her years serving Jehovah, Patti enjoyed many other privileges. She worked on projects with the Florida Regional Building Committee as a volunteer to help with Kingdom Hall construction. She attended International Conventions in Russia and Poland, visiting Budapest, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia and Germany, as well. She also had the wonderful privilege of helping many individuals come to learn the truth and make it their own. Many former Bible students feel as did this former one who said, “she was my mother, my sister, my everything. I can’t wait to see her in the new world.”

Although Patti was faced with persistent health issues as of late, her love for Jehovah and the ministry never wavered, it remained a way of life for her. She continued to serve as a regular auxiliary pioneer and have faith in, and hold close the promises found in the Bible until her death. We will miss her dearly.

How wonderful to know she now rests safely in Jehovah’s memory, the God she loved, awaiting her resurrection hope. We all look forward with full confidence and eager expectation to when soon that hope becomes a reality. Job 14:14, 15

Patti is survived by her Aunts Virginia Jackson and Jo Ann Gardner, sisters Diane Dumas and Kaye Wolff, and cherished cousins, nieces, nephew and friends.

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Condolences

  • September 18, 2023

    I just found out TODAY, Pat died. Pat was my girlfriend in highschool. She was not a Witness at that time. Neither was I. She mentioned though her Aunt in Florida was a Witness though like my mom. I didn't start studying until my senior year 1978. We have been friends since, but we really didn't stay in touch ! Some years ago I was in Florida on business. We met and had lunch as old friends and talked about Jehovah and the Kingdom, our congregations, friends and life. We encourages each other. Pat truly loved JEHOVAH and her way of life showed it by Pioneering showed it. I am sad about her passing, BUT so happy I will see her as my spiritual sister in Jehovah's New World. Please JEHOVAH always remember my dear friend as she was so faithful to you as your servant, Father and to your son Jesus rulership. I will see you soon my dear friend Pat. Always Phillip Payne

  • February 21, 2023

    I am so sorry for your loss. Patricia and I were co-workers in Tampa. She was always with a smile on her face and a kind word. She will be so missed. My thoughts and prayers to the family. Ronda

  • November 20, 2022

    My deepest condolences to all the family And friend of my sweet sister patty May Jehovah, the God of tender mercy and God of all confort help you all endure, this indescribable pain at this time 2 Corinthians1:3,4. 😢😢😢

  • November 19, 2022

    She was a beautiful and spiritual sister. You will see us soon, just in a little while.

  • November 19, 2022

    Our condolences to Patti's family. We will miss our dear spiritual sister. Jehovah has her written in his book of life. We can't wait to see Patti again during the resurrection young, healthy and smiling as always. Rev 21:4. - The Beltran Family

  • November 19, 2022

    Sending our love and deepest condolences to Patti's family. Patti was in my congregation and field service group. When I first joined the congregation, she reached out so that we could go in service together, when the day came, she had forgotten she had made plans with someone else and she apologized, we made plans to go out and soon after the pandemic hit. We ended up being in the same service group, so we were able to get to know each other and finally share in the ministry together. She was a kind and loving person, she was always ready to listen. Such a wonderful friend! What wonderful hope we have for the future! I can't wait to see my dear sister again! May Jehovah give the family the strength needed to endure this difficult time.

  • November 19, 2022

    Condolences to the family. Looking forward to see Patti again when John 5 verse 28 and 29 will be a reality. Paulette Anderson.

  • November 19, 2022

    Patty was a kind and loving soul. Such compassion and love for Jehovah and for people. She was an encouraging sister always motivating us to give of our time and efforts to preach and teach bible principles. She will truly be missed. We love you sister Patty. Delannoy Family Anthony & Sourilath

  • November 19, 2022

    Pat and I used to go skating together every Sunday @ Northland. And someone came by and knocked her down. At that time everyone knew she wore a wig, and she went flying across the floor and her wig ended up backwards on her head and her braids were hanging down from under her wig. I tried to help her up but was laughing so hard I was too weak!!! Everytime we talked we would laugh soooooooo hard like it just happened. I truly will miss her. We are going to laugh about that even in the Paradise!!!

  • November 19, 2022

    To the family of Pat I give my condolences. I knew Pat for over 30 years, we became friends and she helped me through a very dark time in my life. She would let me stay with her on the weekends just for some peace, even though she was going through hard times herself. I will never forget how we would go skating together!!! I haven't spoken to her in a while, however she will stay in my heart and mind. She brought sunshine to so many people especially mine I will love her forever!!! I can't wait to see her in the New System so I can hear that hearty laugh she was known for. May Jehovah the God of comfort be with her family. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 -Nina Dillard

  • November 16, 2022

    11/16/22. TO: Patti's family/FRIENDS, May the grace of OUR SOVEREIGN GOD JAH/CHRIST, keep you ALL during this time of grief. Patti's kindness is fondly held in the heart of many and her ability to reach out to younger children. By taking/assisting Parents to travel to their FAV... , like Disney, early on. Yes, Patti lived compassion. To the family, thanks for sharing, A'GAPE! QH

  • November 15, 2022

    Condolences to the family of Pat. A much beloved and beautiful Sister! Just a little while longer... 1 Cor.15:21,22 Jackie Royster

  • November 15, 2022

    My heart is heavy. Pat studied with me in 1983, it would take me two years to publicly dedicate myself to Jehovah after moving away. But Pat's love & patience stuck with me. She always encouraged me to keep going forward no matter what obstacles satan threw my way. To this day, I've never forgotten that! I just spoke with her a few weeks ago and was looking forward to a visit. The news of her passing was crushing, but I know she had many health challenges. So now, I look forward to a visit from my big sister in perfect health. I can't wait to wipe away her tears of JOY. My prayers & condolences go out to her family. Jill Brown

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