Patricia E. Bates McWilliams

Patricia Elaine (Smoke) Bates McWilliams began her eternal journey on December 18, 2024. Pat was born April 3, 1930, in Rome Township, the daughter of E.H. Smoke & Ruth J. (Hunter) Smoke Meyers.

Pat married Benjamin McWilliams on August 18, 1972, with Rev. Richard Jordan officiating. Ben passed away on August 19, 2017, the day after their 45th anniversary.

Pat worked in the Register of Deeds office and retired in 1992. She was appointed to the Lenawee Department of Human Services and Medical Care Boards, where she served for 23 years. She was a member of the Grace Methodist Church of Britton, a life member and Past President of Underwood Orr #34 Auxiliary and a Past President of the VFW Auxiliary.

Pat is survived by her sisters, Beverly (Kenneth) Weasel, and Deanna (Lowell) Perin; stepson, Jamie (Jannette) Benjamin; stepdaughter, Kathryn Saylor; two grandchildren, Beverly Erin (Carl) Pickett and Amy Chase Kennedy; six step-grandchildren, Josette Richardson, Jenna (Justin) Huff, B.J. (Kelsey) McWilliams, Andrew (Lacy) Quinn and Bibi Saylor; 14 great-grandchildren, Saiyan Michael Pickett, Sierra Nicole Pickett, McKenna, Brynn and Tatum Richardson, Donovan and Dylan Quinn, Devon, Canon, Fallon and Lennon Huff, and Douglas and Lilianna.

In addition to her husband, Ben, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda L. Chase; parents, E.H. and Ruth (Hunter) Smoke; infant sons, David and Louis Bates; infant daughters, Deborah, Lana Jean, and Jacqlyn Ann Bates; father of infant children, Russell Bates; brother, Jim Smoke; and sister, Priscilla Kade.

Funeral services were held on Monday. Dec. 23 at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Mich. with Rev. Willie Lass officiating. Final resting place is at Ridgeway Cemetery. 

Condolences may be offered online at: gilpurseandson.com.