Patricia R. Dawkins

COATS- Patricia Rea Dawkins, 64, passed away on Wednesday at her home. Born in Dover, Ohio, Patricia was the daughter of the late John Edward Rea and Violet Errington Rea. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, June 13 at 1PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier. The graveside service for Patricia will be private. Patricia is survived by her husband of 40 years, Ray Dawkins; daughter, Bethany Myers and husband, Adam of Huntersville; grandsons, Carter and Coen Myers of Huntersville. She grew up in Cadiz, Ohio, and her father worked for the Post Office and as a jeweler. Small town living suited her well and she developed a network of what would become lifetime friends. After high school she went to Tempken-Mercy School of Nursing and became a registered nurse (R.N.) followed by her first employment at Ohio State University Hospital. Shortly afterward her future husband started his medical internship there after medical school. ‘Patti Rea’ was the first nurse that he met at the hospital on the cardiac step-down unit. An invitation to lunch was followed by a date at Max and Erma’s in Columbus, Ohio, and resulted in a wedding in her home town the next year (1980). They moved to Columbia, Missouri, for a two-year residency at the University of Missouri. Their only child - Bethany - was born there. Various career moves for her husband resulted in multiple relocations which she always made the best of, creating a beautiful home even if in an apartment and making new friends and staying in touch with established friendships. For a number of years, she stayed home to care for Bethany and maintain a warm, loving home environment, and carry out her usual role of social director The moves resulted in multiple jobs but she always was an asset and cared for her patients with a smile and the excellence that characterized everything she did. Unfortunately, health problems resulted in her leaving the work force and she devoted herself to restoring her health, family and friends, along with her feline companions. The marriage of her daughter Bethany and the arrival of two grandsons gave her much joy and she relished her roles as mother, grandmother, wife and friend. Her smile and her laugh were unforgettable and gave light to those around her and to the world. She was always mindful of those around her and gave them undivided attention, always seeing the good in people. One more move took her to Harnett County where they built a house in the middle of the woods to enjoy the peace and quiet and the retirement years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fellowship of Christ, 1788 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC 27511 in Patricia’s memory.