Read Patricia Fortenberry "Miss Pat" Maddox's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Patricia Fortenberry "Miss Pat" Maddox

Clarkston, GA

July 7, 1938 - March 19, 2024

Jul 7, 1938 - Mar 19, 2024

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On March 19, 2024, in the early morning hours, Patricia departed this earth as she was called home to be with her Lord and Savior.

Born on July 7, 1938, in Osyka, Mississippi, “Miss Pat”, as so many know her, was born in a humble home; her mother always described the hole in their roof as “her room with a view”. It was a meager start in life. Pat’s mother, Claudia, was a homemaker and her father, Elmo, was a corn and cotton farmer.

When Pat was a young girl, her family moved to Clarkston, GA. There, she would spend her adolescent years and go on to pursue a degree in nursing from Georgia Baptist Nursing School. After completing her education, Pat married and started a family. In 1980, they moved to Gulf Breeze, FL where she continued raising her children and working as a registered nurse.

In 1995, Pat returned to Clarkston to care for her aging mother. She joined Clarkston Baptist Church, which is now Clarkston International Bible Church (CIBC), where she felt called to serve and meet the needs of new refugee families. Thus began the ministry she called Friends of Refugees. Like “Miss Pat”, Friends had humble beginnings. It started with a simple bread ministry, clothes closet, and after school homework program. With the formation of the non-profit in 2005 and the help and generosity of so many, Friends of Refugees has become what “Miss Pat” had always hoped it would be - a group of loving and gifted Christians who genuinely care for those they serve.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Claudia Fortenberry, and is survived by her brother, “Sonny” Fortenberry and his wife Carole, sister Jo Driscoll and her husband Dave. She also leaves behind her children, Leslie Pitts (husband, Johnny), Patti Maddox, Emily Heringslake, and Clint Maddox (wife, Krista), along with 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Join us in celebrating the life and service of Patricia Maddox (“Miss Pat”). A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Clarkston International Bible Church (CIBC), located at 1000 Rowland Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in “Miss Pat’s” memory can be made to Friends of Refugees (https://www.friendsofrefugees…) or CIBC (http://www.cibcfamily.com)