Patricia Crosswhite

Patricia Carol Hayes Crosswhite “Pat” went home to be with Jesus on August 17, 2024. Pat was born on May 19, 1943 in Imboden, Virginia to Albert Woodrow and Sadie Young Hayes. Pat always loved the mountains and the small coal town where she was born, spending much of her childhood visiting nearby mountain communities. She affectionately referred to it as her “happy place”. Therefore, in March of 2023, she relocated from her longtime home in Brandon, MS, to Knoxville, TN. She lived near family where she could be closer to her heart’s calling.

A self-motivated student, Pat graduated at the top of her class in 1961 from Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, VA. Soon after, she married Donald Woodrow Crosswhite and started a family. Through the years she worked tirelessly to provide for her three children. Pat was a longtime employee of what began as National Sales in Flowood, MS. Her career started there in the early 1980’s in the front lobby as the receptionist, answering the telephone and greeting all who entered with a beautiful smile. During her time there, she gradually increased her responsibilities and held various positions. Pat retired in 2011 from what had become Sanderson Farms Food Division as the Customer Service Manager, a position in which she excelled. She was admired for her knowledge of the shipping business, pursuit of solid relationships, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to getting the job done for her valued customers. She was well-respected in her field, and her time there was marked by many invaluable friendships which lasted well past her employment.

After retirement, Pat embraced her always creative side by crafting, designing dried floral arrangements, and making unique wreaths for all occasions that the family will now treasure more than ever. It brought her great joy to give someone a customized, handmade gift.

As a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Pat could always be found at her family’s sporting events, musical performances, school plays, and life milestones. She was truly a cheerleader for all those she loved. Her laughter was contagious, and she was always ready to hear or tell a funny story. As the family matriarch, she was happiest on the occasions when all of her people were together under one roof. She was truly a gift to all who knew her.

Pat is survived by her son Allen Russell Crosswhite (Jane) of Philadelphia, Mississippi, daughters Caren Crosswhite Carroll (Greg) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Cheryl Crosswhite Ware (Cobb) of Madison, Mississippi.

Pat was a proud grandmother of 7 grandchildren: Chadwick Dees Crosswhite (Emily), Clayton Russell Crosswhite (Libbo), Austin Baker Carroll (Lesly), Forrest Hayes Carroll (Emily), Annelise Elizabeth Carroll, Emory Grace Ware, and Howell Cobb Ware III. She was also a great-grandmother of 7: Hudson Dees Crosswhite, Hayden Ann Crosswhite, Mary Thomas Crosswhite, Russell Williams Crosswhite, Noa Callum Carroll, Hayes Parker Carroll, and Loretta Ann Carroll.

Friends and family are invited to a graveside service at 11:30 am on Sunday, September 1, 2024. It will be held at Parkway Memorial Cemetery, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Immediately following the internment, everyone is invited to attend a Celebration of Life reception upstairs at The Landing at Georgia Blue, 202 Baptist Drive, Madison, MS 39110.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.