Rose Patricia "Pat" Fillyaw

Rose Patricia “Mema(w)” Fillyaw (August 26, 1936 - March 22, 2024)

With both heavy hearts and fond smiles, we bid farewell to our beloved Rose Patricia Fillyaw, known affectionately as "Pat" to her dear friends and Mema(w) to her grandchildren. She departed this world on March 22, 2024, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy as colorful and vibrant as the flowers she so lovingly tended in her greenhouse.

Born to Myron Woodrow Turner and Emily Drucilla Holder on a summer's day in 1936, Pat grew up living between Harlem, Georgia and Brooklyn, New York. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Arvil Fillyaw, her sister Jacqueline Tancredi, and her sister Margaret Tancredi. She leaves behind one surviving sister, Barbara Chambless.

Pat's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and a generous sprinkle of mischief. She was the proud mother of John David Fillyaw (Nancy Fullbright), Patricia Barbara Stokes (James), and James Richard Fillyaw. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her own children, embracing her seven grandchildren (Dwaine Stone, Christopher Fillyaw (Ginger), Jason Stone (Linda), Paul Phillips (Julie), Nicholas Fillyaw (Sara), Tabatha Holloway (Joseph) and Clinton Fillyaw) along with her nieces and nephews, and a multitude of great and great-great grandchildren with boundless affection.

At the heart of Pat's life story lies a chapter filled with love, adventure, and shared dreams alongside her husband, John Fillyaw. Their journey together began in 1952, a union that would span thirty-six years until John's passing in 1988. Together, they embarked on a remarkable odyssey, crisscrossing the country from coast to coast in pursuit of work opportunities. From the vibrant cityscape of Jacksonville, Florida, to the serene beauty of Idyllwild, California and multiple points in between, their travels painted a canvas of experiences as diverse as the landscapes they encountered. Their wanderings eventually led them to settle in the charming town of North Augusta, South Carolina, where they laid down roots and built a life filled with cherished memories and enduring love. John's presence in Pat's life was a constant source of strength and support, his companionship a beacon of light through life's twists and turns. Though he may have departed this world before her, the bond they shared remained unbroken, a testament to the depth of their love and the richness of their shared journey.

In the intricate tapestry of Pat's life, there exists an additional thread of romance that spanned decades. In her youth, amidst the charm of Brooklyn, New York, she found love in the eyes of Jack Duval, her high school sweetheart. Fate, however, saw fit to lead them on separate paths, with Jack remaining in New York, while Pat continued her journey from Florida, to California, South Carolina and Georgia. But love knows no bounds, and after an astonishing fifty years apart, their paths converged once more. Pat and Jack's reunion was nothing short of a love story come to life. Together, they created new memories, cherishing each moment in each other's company. Pat eventually made the bold move to join Jack in New York, where they became engaged and shared a home until his passing in December of 2010. Their love story serves as a testament to the enduring power of true love, a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who were fortunate enough to witness its beauty. Though Jack may have departed before her, his presence in Pat's life left an indelible mark, enriching her journey with love and companionship that transcended time and distance.

Those who knew Pat understood that beneath her gentle exterior lay a heart as resilient as steel. She was sweet, caring, and loving, yet possessed a toughness that could weather any storm. Her wisdom was matched only by her sharp wit, leaving no doubt that she was the undisputed matriarch of her family.

Pat's passions were as diverse as her spirit. Whether she was tending to her garden with a green thumb that seemed to work miracles, casting her line into the tranquil waters while fishing, or solving the puzzles on "Wheel of Fortune" with unwavering enthusiasm, she approached life with zest and gusto.

In her role as mother, grandmother, provider, and confidant, Pat played each part with grace and dedication. She not only raised her own children but also extended her nurturing embrace to countless others in her extended family. She enjoyed preparing everyone’s favorite meals, especially during holidays and birthdays. Her door and arms were always open with love and compassion that expressed a warmth from her loving heart that shined like the sun. Her legacy of love will continue to flourish in the hearts of all those she touched and will never be forgotten.

As we fondly remember Pat, let us take solace in the knowledge that her spirit lives on in the laughter of her descendants, the beauty of her garden blooms, and the enduring love that she bestowed upon her entire family. Though she may have bid us farewell, her memory will forever bloom in our hearts, a testament to a life lived with passion, strength, and boundless love.

Rest in peace, dear Pat. You are flying with the hummingbirds, and may your eternal garden be as bountiful as the love you shared with us all.

A private graveside service will be held.