Obituary of Patricia Marie Shines

Patricia "Pat" Marie Shines, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 15, 2023. She was born on January 20, 1950, in Queens, New York to the late parents Larkin and Marjorie Brown. Patricia's legacy of love and kindness will forever be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Patricia's journey in life took her across different states and brought her great joy along the way. After giving birth to her son Leano, she moved to San Jose, California before eventually settling in Boise, Idaho. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Joe Shines Sr. and thus began a beautiful chapter in their lives as they embarked on what was a 25 year journey as husband and wife before the Lord called Joe home in 2013.

Education played an important role in Patricia's life as she attended primary schools in Queens, New York before ultimately graduating from Hunter College. Her thirst for knowledge and dedication to learning were evident throughout her life as she was an avid reader and collector of books.

One of Patricia's greatest joys in life was being a mother not only to her own children but also extending that maternal love to all those around her. Affectionately known as "Momma Shines," she had an unwavering commitment to caring for others and sharing her motherly wisdom. Her warm heart and nurturing spirit made everyone feel loved and cherished.

Patricia had a deep connection with her faith and found solace in serving God through church activities. She was an active member of Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ where she served faithfully for many years before making Agape Christian Worship Center her home. She loved the holidays, and Thanksgiving was always a special time for Patricia and her family as they gathered in large numbers to celebrate their blessings. Her culinary talents were well-known among all who knew her; she delighted everyone with an array of delectable treats including her famous breads, pound cake and sweet potato pie.

In addition to nurturing others' souls, Patricia enjoyed nurturing their bodies as well. She had a passion for cooking and baking and was particularly skilled in the kitchen. The mouth-watering aroma of her butter pound cakes filled the church halls during cake sales, and her family always looked forward to her delicious homemade meals. Patricia's creativity extended to sewing, too; she would lovingly create clothing and accessories for her family members, and even made Halloween costumes for her children.

Patricia also found joy in pursuing various hobbies and interests. On leisurely days, you could find her fishing alongside her husband Joe or playing a game of dominoes. In her lifetime, Patricia also enjoyed ceramics, scrapbooking, quilting and crochet, and loved to create beautiful pieces and share them with her friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her parent's, her beloved husband Joe Shines Sr., son and daughter-in-law Leano and Angela Zephir, her grandson, Leano Zephir, her brother Michael Brown, and sister Blanche McLaughlin. Left behind to treasure Patricia's memory are her siblings Florence, Marcia, Victoria (Leonard), Larkin (Dianne), Edith, Frederick, and Francine; grandchildren Tyant, Alysha (Preston), and Cydney; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, “adopted” children and friends.

While we mourn Patricia's passing, we also celebrate the incredible impact she made during her time with us. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched with love and kindness. Patricia will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother and sister, a dear friend, and a faithful servant of God.

Visitation and funeral services to celebrate Patricia Marie Shines' life will take place on November 28, 2023, at the Weeping Willow AME Zion Church located at 2220 Milton Rd in Charlotte, North Carolina. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am followed by the Funeral Service at 12:00pm. We invite all who knew and loved Patricia to join us in honoring her remarkable life.

As we say goodbye to a truly extraordinary woman, let us remember Patricia Marie Shines with gratitude and deep affection. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory forever inspire us to live with kindness, love, and compassion towards one another.