The family of Mrs. Patricia Marie Coombes, 81, of Apex, NC is deeply heartbroken to let their friends and family know that their family matriarch passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024. While saddened to lose her, they are heartened that her earthly pain is now gone. As a faithful believer in Jesus, they know she is in her eternal home and reunited with her family and friends who preceded her. She was born in Mobile, AL on Thursday, November 12, 1942, to the late Albert and Iva Brown. and raised in Buckatunna and Ocean Springs, MS. No matter where her career and family took her, she always remembered the magnolia trees of home.

As a devoted wife to Robert, she served as the perfect partner. Meeting and marrying in Winnipeg, Canada, the freeze of a Canadian winter led to 51 years of the warmth brought by love, laughs, travels and travails, friends and family, and the knowing look and touch of a best friend. Each took turns supporting the other through the years, and the small touches and glances reminded us of what unconditional love is, how much work it took from each person to grow, and how it nourished their souls.

A nurse for over 30 years, she always put others in front of herself, even after she retired. From emergency rooms to cardiac units, she prided herself on helping those in need and being of service. She also put her skills to use in serving as the ultimate soccer mom throughout her kids' youth. Never missing a game, making bowls of chili, and giving rides to tournaments, she took pride in her children and their accomplishments as much as her own.

To her kids, David and Michael, she was a listening ear, a moral compass, a teacher of compassion, and above all else, their heart and soul. From late night school projects to driving lessons and blasting Elvis and Neil Diamond, she never missed an opportunity to enjoy herself or spend time with her family. This love and laughter continued with her daughters-in-law whom she loved dearly.

As a devoted Nana to her four grandchildren (Jackson, Hanley, Ryan and Nikhil), a role she was born for, she was always there with a kiss and a laugh. A proud Nana, she never missed an opportunity to spend time with them or to share a picture with her friends (or whoever she was around).

Preceded in death by her parents Albert and Iva (Smith) Brown and her parents-in-law Billy and Betty (Lewis) Coombes, and leaving a legacy through her husband Robert, her children David (Mili) and Michael (Eileen) and her four grandchildren, her memory will be a guiding star for all who knew her.

Visitation for Mrs. Coombes will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Freeman Funeral Home, 1305 Skyland Drive, Waynesboro, MS. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro, MS with Dr. Steve Smith officiating. Interment will be in Providence Cemetery in State Line, MS.