Patricia (Patty) E. Williams, 67, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 13, 2023, while serving the Lord on a missionary trip in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Patty had a profound love for Jesus and was a member of the First Bible Baptist Church in Blue Springs, Mo.
Patty was born on March 13, 1956, to Howard and Blanche (Crum) Wolf in Waynesville, Mo. She was a 1974 graduate of Dixon High School in Dixon, Mo. and on May 31, 1975, Patty married the love of her life, Larry Dean Williams. With her love for teaching, Patty continued her education graduating from the University of Missouri with a BSE degree. She then obtained a master’s degree from Baker University with an MLA. Later, she would acquire a master’s degree in educational and counseling psychology from the University of Missouri. Patty began her teaching career in Hermann, Mo. in 1987 and retired from the Independence School district in 2013.
Patty’s life as an elementary teacher and counselor was a testament to her kind heart and generous spirit. She was a passionate and dedicated educator who mentored countless colleagues and touched the lives of every child who entered her classroom. The impact she had was far reaching. Patty gave her time and talents unselfishly to educational organizations including being elected as president of MSTA. For consecutive years, Patty was a finalist for teacher of the year and was known throughout her districts as one of the best.
Other than Jesus of course, Patty cherished her family more than anything else. She loved riding in the corvette with Larry to spend a week in Florida at the beach each summer. Patty was also without a doubt Larry’s biggest fan and supporter throughout his coaching career. All the girls knew and loved her. A teacher at heart, every year she would plan Christmas themes for her family that would instill in them the passion to “Find the Good” or to “Be Better.” Patty was a most beautiful person–inside and out. She was known for being the most amazing “Grammy.” Patty was the biggest and best cheerleader, always supporting every endeavor pursued by her six grandchildren. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
Patty had a uniquely vibrant relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With her living room recliner as her sacred space of choice, she would very regularly wake up as early as 4:30 in her retired years to spend hours in prayer, scripture, and devotional books. This was her way of sacrificing her time to her greatest love: Jesus. One of Patty’s favorite verses is 2 Corinthians 12:9. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Passionate to boast about her weakness, she let Christ work through her so much that he left her glowing. (You’d have thought she was Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai.) She enjoyed contacting missionaries for their prayer requests as a member of the mission prayer team as well as serving in other ministries at First Bible Baptist Church. The Lord Jesus permeated every aspect of Patty’s life and continues to do so as she sees him face to face.
Left to carry on her legacy include her loving husband, Larry, of 48 years of Lee’s Summit. Daughters Morgan Hughes and husband Andy of Independence, Lindsay Shannon of Jefferson City, and Rick Shannon of Russellville, Mo. Grandchildren; Kaden and Decklan Shannon of Russellville; Maddux, Tucker, Hudson, and Finlee Hughes of Independence, Mo. Siblings; Howard Wolf, Jr. and wife Marlene, Marlene Johnson, and brother-in-law Lynn Whitten all of Dixon. Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Blanche Wolf and sister, Jody Whitten.
The family will honor Patty’s life on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the First Bible Baptist Church, 1441 S.E. Adams Dairy Pkwy, Blue Springs, Mo. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:30 p.m. with a Celebration of Life beginning at 4:00 p.m. and being officiated by Pastor Mark Brown. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Good News In Action with checks being made to FBBC with memo line indicating “Missionary Jose Valter”–Honduras. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Patty and words of comfort to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Patty was a special person & never without a smile or a positive word. I send my prayers for healing of hearts for her family. She will be greatly missed!
Patty was indeed one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known and I bet probably the best grandma ever, from what I just read and witnessed. We are sad she is not with us any longer and are hurting with you, Larry, and all of the family. You have been and continue to be in our prayers.
Patty was a beautiful soul and her smile would light up a room. I’m so sorry for your loss and have been praying for peace and comfort as family, friends, and church family grieve her loss. We are gonna miss her kind heart.
I am so grateful that God chose me to be her friend and I am so thankful for what Patty left “in” all her knew her. What a beautiful difference one single life made. ❤
Patty snd Larry are our next door neighbors of 14 years. Patty was so sweet and always concerned about Larry, and vice versa. We will miss watching her walk, she was known as the neighborhood “walker”. I know I could never have kept up with her. Patty always looked like she just stepped out of a band box, so pretty and perfect. I am so happy that she was such a devout Christian and know she is in Heaven with Jesus. Rest well, Patty
Coach, sorry for your loss. She was a delight to be around.
Patty and Larry were our also our next door neighbors. She loved walking and many days Larry was walking with her, bringing up the rear. Both was always so supportive of each other. They have been GREAT NEIGHBORS. WE WILL miss PATTY. Rest in peace. Larry & Joyce Mittie