Patricia Pirkle Obituary

Patricia "Pat" Taylor Pirkle, a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother peacefully passed away near midnight on September 23, 2024 at her home on Hill Street in Buford, GA, at the age of 89.

Pat was born in Alpharetta GA to Zoda and Odell Taylor. Pat often spoke of what wonderful and loving parents she had. In 1955, Dan Pirkle brought Pat to Buford. He liked to say he went across the river and brought back the prettiest girl. They made their home on Hill Street and there they had four children, Deborah, Beth, Jeff and Ginger. Pat and Dan tragically lost Ginger on September 23, 1967. Dan passed away December 2011 and their daughter Beth passed August 2014.

Even though Pat suffered much loss and tragedy, she was a very strong woman and she filled her life with love, joy, happiness, and a dedication to her family and community. Pat Pirkle dedicated an extraordinary 60 years to Buford City Schools - 33 years as an employee and an additional 27 years as a respected member of the school board. Her unwavering commitment made her a true pillar of the Buford Community. She was a champion for students, teachers, and staff in the school system. She was a loyal Buford Wolves fan, attending so many events. She was a fixture in the audience of fine arts events and in the stands and on the fields for athletic events. She liked to say "my blood runs green" and just a few days before she passed, she asked for a green and gold bracelet.

Pat was also a devoted member of Buford First United Methodist Church. She was a long-time member of the Beacon Sunday School Class, the Effie Wood UMW Circle, and attended regularly as long as she was able.

She really enjoyed playing cards! Pat was a member of two bridge clubs and when she moved to the assisted living facility, she kept a rummy game going all day! She also loved gardening, cooking, and she loved animals!

Most importantly Pat loved her family dearly. She was Mother to her children. She was MeMaw to Hollie and Heather and their children; Gran Pat to Juli and Torrie, and GiGi to their children.

Pat was loving, encouraging and proud of them. And she was lots of fun!

On Monday, September 16th, Pat returned home to her beloved Hill Street Home. She could see the cars go by and her joy at being in her home brought her an unsurpassed happiness and peace. She was lovingly cared for by her family as she so deserved. She will be so greatly missed by her family, her church, her community.

Pat is survived by: daughter, Deborah Pirkle and son-in-law Robert Clark; son, Jeff and daughter-in-law Toni; grandchildren, Hollie Handschuh and her husband Ryan, Heather Winters and her husband Shane, Juli Pirkle Adamson and her husband Patrick, Torrie Pirkle Souther and her husband Dan; great grandchildren, Haylie Grace and Dylan Bryson, Rylie and Jax Handschuh, Jacob Dorsey and Deeanna Landers, Mally and Lauren (Happy) Adamson, Asa and Teddy Souther; step-granddaughter Barbara Taylor and her husband Dustin, step-great grandsons Koby, Aden and Noah Osgood; and several nieces and nephews and so many loving friends.

The family extends love and gratitude to all caregivers during her brief illness.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Buford First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Buckman and Rev. Dr. Sondra Jones officiating. Pat will Lie in State at the church from 2:00 p.m. until time for the funeral at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery where Pat will be surrounded by Dan, Ginger, and Beth.

A reception will be held in the church fellowship hall following the service. All are welcome.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 28 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Flanigan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buford City Schools Foundation in memory of Pat Pirkle. website is www.bufordcityschools.org or by mail Buford City Schools, 2625 Sawnee Avenue, Buford, GA 30518. A donation made in her honor is a lasting tribute to the profound impact she had on countless lives and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com