Patricia Mead, age 85, of Hazlehurst, went home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 19th, 2026, at the Pavillion in Baxley under the care of Comfort Care Hospice.

She was born on New Year's Day, 1941, in Blountstown, Florida, to the late William Donaldson Nelson and Addie Mae Burch Nelson. Growing up, she moved often due to her dad's jobs. Frequent moves prevented her from putting down roots. All of that changed when they moved to Baxley, where she met her husband, Vickers, at a basketball game between Jeff Davis and Appling. He played basketball and actually collided with her as she walked down the side court. That tumble began a courtship and marriage of 64 years, and Patricia was finally able to put down roots.

One of her proudest moments was when she studied for and received her G.E.D. in her 40s. She had a strong faith and was a great prayer warrior for her family and others. She taught her two girls to pray and read God's Word at a young age. She saw God's touch and beauty everywhere and taught them to do the same. She loved sunrises and sunsets, beach trips, picnics, fishing, and antique trips. She had a heart of gold and a smile that could light up a room. She loved giving gifts and making others happy. Her compassionate heart led her to help others all throughout her life. She loved drawing and painting. Every year, they hosted Thanksgiving, inviting numerous people to join their family in celebrating. At Christmas, Patricia dressed as Mrs. Claus to accompany Vickers, who was Santa.

To know Patricia, was to love Patricia. She was a true Southern Christian Lady, who would meet you with that beautiful smile that she had. Her traits were meek, mild, and humble, and she had such a sweet disposition about her. She 

spent the last year as a resident of the Pavilion, where she made wonderful friends. She loved activities with them, especially bingo. She loved her hospice workers and considered them family. Her family has lost a bright and shining light. Her two daughters have lost not only a mother but a best friend. She will be forever remembered and loved.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Vickers Mead; her grandson, Shawn Stone; a brother, William Nelson; and two sisters, Virginia and Elma Mae Nelson.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sherry (Kenny) Stone of Hazlehurst and Vickie (Ronnie) Haskin of Humansville, Missouri. Also, two grandsons, Justin Stone of Mandarin, Florida, and Dustin (Kitty) Haskin of Guyton, Georgia, and four great-grandchildren; Kylee Stone of Cadwell, Georgia; Kayden Stone of Cochran, Georgia; Brianna (Moi) Sibija of Anchorage, Alaska; and Kaitlin Stone of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Altamaha Baptist Church Cemetery in Appling County with Rev. Mike Lee officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Maybell Demery, Pearl Sharpe, Kenny & Bonnie Johnson, Ronnie & Christine Yawn, Mike & Melinda Snell, and the nurses and staff of Comfort Care Hospice and The Pavillion.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home and the Mead family are in charge of the arrangements.