In the year 1930, while America was reeling from the 1929 Stock Market Crash, catapulting the Nation into the Great Depression, beauty was springing forth in another part of the world! On January 12th, 1930 in Bartica, Guyana, Patricia Helena Garraway, aka, “Patsy” was born. She was the third child gifted to Mrs. Mabel and Mr. Simeon Augustus Garraway. 

Patricia was raised in a G0d-fearing home. Her home was also a home filled with music. There, visitors would experience the musical brilliance of her family, especially her sister Shirley, a concert pianist. Patricia herself was a concert violinist who studied music in Guyana at the Trinity Music school and the Royal School of Music. She and Shirley gave community concerts in the main public hall in George Town. As a concert violinist, her opening and signature song was “Thai’s (pronounced “TAZE”) Meditation.” Patricia was certified by the Royal Academy of Music in London, England, and was 1st Chair violin in the orchestra. She received credit for piano from the Academy of Music in London.

In her early 20's, Patricia met and later married the love of her life, Robert Alexander Small, in 1954. To this union were born four children, Paul, Donna, Gillian and Christine. During the tumultuous 60's, Robert, Patricia and their family moved to America and ultimately became American Citizens (Chris was born in the U.S.). 

They made their home in Akron, Ohio where they raised their family. In that home, she carried on the tradition of teaching her children about love, faith, prayer and trust in the Lord, cooking delicious meals, hosting guests, playing beautiful music and sharing family stories! She enjoyed working as a nursing assistant at Akron General Medical Center for approximately 20 years until her retirement.

In 1983, Patricia joined Tabernacle Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio under Christian Experience. In 1993, Patricia, along with her daughter, Chris, joined Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. After the decline of her husband’s health, Patricia and Robert moved from Akron to Cleveland, Ohio, to be near her daughter and Son-in-Law, Aristide Smith, Jr. In 2006, Patricia’s husband, Robert was called from labor to reward.

Subsequently, in 2007, Patricia moved to Yuba City, California to live for a short while with her son, Paul and her Daughter-in-Law, Joy. Ultimately, Patricia moved to Berkeley, California, living in her own apartment, near her daughter Gill. While in Berkeley, Patricia united with the St. Columba Catholic Church in Oakland, CA, where her daughter Gill worships. Patricia continued to be an active member of St. Columba until her health failed. The Lord called Patricia home on November 12th, 2021.

We were blessed to have had Patricia as our mother, our prayer warrior, our advocate, our brilliant, witty, comedianic, gifted, compassionate hard-working, sacrificing BEAUTIFUL woman of God for 91 years!!! We are forever grateful for our gift from the Lord. Thank you for all of your prayers, support, loving words and kindness during this time. We have the peace of the Lord, knowing that our mother, Patricia Helena Small, is resting in the arms of Jesus. We stand upon God's promises, that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Those that believe in Jesus, though they were dead, yet shall they live! We are not has those who have no hope. 

We say, “so long,” Beloved, we will see you again! Today we CELEBRATE your 91 years of life, declaring, “To God be the glory for the GREAT THINGS He has done!”

Click on the video below to see a few memories from Patricia's story...