Patricia Todd Roberts Coleman

October 24, 1924 - August 10, 2023

Patricia Todd Roberts Coleman

October 24, 1924 – August 10, 2023

“Pat” lived most of her adult life in Nashville. But no matter where she was, she lived life to the fullest.

Raised on a farm in Millington, Tennessee, Pat was one of nine children. Farm life taught her to work hard, set goals, care for others, and dream – of flying. Her first job was a stewardess with C&S Airlines.  During this early career, she met first husband, Air Force Captain Leo (Lee) P. Roberts.  Lee served in WWII and remained a career pilot. Unfortunately, while stationed in Virginia in 1950, tragedy struck when he was killed in a B45 explosion. Widowed with two children under age four, Pat moved to Memphis to be with her mom.

She was rehired by C&S (Delta) and appreciated the job’s flexibility. Her children remember “going to work” with mom on flights “just for fun.” Then in 1960 Pat married her second husband, Fred L. Coleman, Jr.  She retired from flying and focused on homemaking – raising teenagers, and soon daughter Stacey was born in 1965.

As a homemaker, Pat had a definite affinity for beauty. Fred and Pat’s home was featured in the Memphis Commercial Appeal because of their “wow” house remodel. An avid gardener, she spent hours in their yards as well – weeding, planting, arranging.

For hobbies, she played tennis, needlepointed pillows and bell-pulls, and knitted blanket-size afghans. Prized as gifts, some afghans took 300 hours to make. She was also the consummate hostess:  hosting company gatherings, bridge, and community parties. Summers afforded vacation time for Pat and Stacey to visit California to connect with the West Coast family.

As Fred’s career with Honeywell soared, moves followed to Charlotte, Boston, Atlanta and Annapolis before returning to Nashville, where Fred retired and passed away in 1997.

Widowed again at age 73, Pat still did not slow down. She nannied for John and Judy Gallagher’s family and their three young children, and then cared for Alzheimer patients. Her last client passed away when Pat was 89.

In 1991, Stacey married Nashville native Tommy Anderson. As the years unfolded, Pat was blessed with four Nashville grandchildren. Known as “Lovey,” she would chauffeur, babysit, supervise summer camps run by the grandchildren, and remained – busy.

Pat attended St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church where Stacey and Tommy currently attend.  With her son and son-in-law, she relished watching golf (particularly the St. Jude Golf Tournament in Memphis), and football (Tennessee Titans).  She could whoop and holler with the best of them!

Although still active at age 90, she took a bad fall at home and fractured a hip. As expected, she faced that challenge like all others – with determination and resilience.  In 2019 she moved into Canterfield of Franklin Assisted Living & Memory Care to take advantage of their wide range of healthcare services. With her feisty spirit, quick smile and endearing laugh, she became well known around their halls. “Miss Pat” was her official name, but staff endeared her with names like “Pattycakes” and “Hollywood”, as she frequently donned large, flashy sunglasses, colorful outfits and big bows in her braided hair – thanks to multi-talented caregivers.

Pat thrived at Canterfield until August 10th when she passed away peacefully, just after sunrise.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the entire staff at Canterfield – their professionalism, personal attention and care – and their delightful banters with her.  As Stacey says, they “loved her well.”  We are eternally grateful.

Pat leaves behind two children in Southern California: Ben Robert (wife Joannie) and Rhonda (Roberts) Glasscock;  Stacey (Coleman) Anderson (husband Tommy) in Nashville;  eight grandchildren: Leigh, Brett, Jason, Sherrie, Kayla, Ashley, Rhonda, and Robert; and 10 great grandchildren: Evan, Braden, Landon, Camilla, Henry, Noelle, Ames, Leo-Paul, Ben, and Colson.

Thank you to all who loved and supported Pat through her many seasons of life.

The family will have a private service to celebrate her long life.