Obituary: Patsy “Pat” Burns Cozart Patrick
Kinston- Patsy “Pat” Burns Cozart Patrick, 98, died February 18, 2024, in the comfort of her home. She was born September 21, 1925, the daughter of Dr. Wiley Simeon Cozart and Pauline Holt Cozart of Fuquay Springs, NC.
Pat learned the value of family and hard work while growing up in Fuquay Springs. Her father, Dr. Wiley S. Cozart, was a physician, mayor, and civic leader. Her mother, Pauline Holt Cozart, was a homemaker and the music director for the Fuquay Springs Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by one brother, Dr. Wiley H. Cozart (Ruth), three sisters, Mrs. Rebecca C. Smith (Ed), Mrs. Virginia C. McLeod (Bernard), and Mrs. Rachael C. Barwick (Hugh). She was also preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Simmons I. Patrick and a beloved daughter-in-law, Abigail Sims Edwards. She is survived by brothers-in-law, Bernard McCleod and Hugh Barwick.
Pat graduated from Fuquay Springs High School in 1943 and Duke University in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. After graduating from college, Pat taught biology and physical education at Hugh Morson High School in Raleigh, NC and worked with Durham City Health Department in Audiology before moving to Kinston in 1954. Making her home in Kinston, she enjoyed being a homemaker and gardener. She became a wonderful cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She loved sports and particularly a good round of golf and even made a hole in one. Pat also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.
At heart, Pat was most passionate about being the best homemaker that she could be. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church where she served on the Altar Guild for many years. She provided many meals to shut-ins and friends in times of need.
Pat will best be remembered as a loving wife and mother. She is also survived by two sons, George Richard Edwards (Hilda) and Wiley Loren Edwards (Beth). In August 1980, she married Dr. Simmons I. Patrick, devoted father to Simmons I. Patrick (Laura), Marion B. Patrick and Elizabeth P. Sabiston (Bill). She and Simmons enjoyed many years together entertaining family and friends, traveling, playing golf, and fishing. They were so proud of their six grandchildren, George Richard Edwards, Jr., Harriet Edwards Mills, Wiley Loren (Ren) Edwards, Jr., Kathryn Edwards Persico, Caroline Patrick Jackson, and Simmons I. Patrick, III. She had eight great grandchildren.
A Celebration in Thanksgiving for the life of Patsy Cozart Patrick will be held Wednesday, February 21st at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Tom Warren officiating. Pat’s ashes will be borne to St. Francis Gardens for the Committal. Immediately following the Committal, the family will greet friends at the Kinston Country Club.
Memorials may be made to St. Francis Garden at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and to the music and choir department at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 800 Roundtree Street, Kinston, NC 28501.
Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.
