Patricia Schoonover Obituary

In Loving Memory of Patricia Ann Schoonover 

Age 71 • Marietta, GA 

Sunrise: April 19, 1954 • Sunset: October 5, 2025

Patricia Ann Schoonover has officially retired for the final time—this time from her earthly duties—on October 5th, 2025. And if we know Patricia, she didn’t go quietly. She arrived in Heaven with her signature red nails freshly done, ready to roll up her sleeves and help keep things in order.

Born in Moses Lake, Washington, Patricia was the beloved daughter of Kathryn and the late Austin Rains. She spent 71 years spreading joy, direction, and more than a few well-timed pep talks to anyone lucky enough to know her.

After nearly 30 years wrangling phones, people, and corporate chaos at AT&T, Patricia decided retirement wasn’t quite her style. So, she launched her second act as the office manager for First Baptist Church of Sandy Springs—where she brought heart, humor, and a knack for remembering everyone for nearly 20 more years.

Patricia was the proud mother of one (and made sure everyone knew it). She was her daughter Michelle’s loudest cheerleader—sometimes literally. Whether coaching soccer or shouting encouragement and direction from the sidelines, Patricia made sure no one ever wondered which player was hers. She extended that same spirit of encouragement throughout her life to friends, family, and complete strangers. If you needed a listener, a motivator, or someone to tell you, "If it were me, I would…," Patricia was the person for you.

She was a professional encourager, an expert scheduler, and a seasoned prayer warrior with a strong iced tea habit and a stronger heart. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the teams she coached, and the laughs she shared along the way.

Patricia leaves behind her daughter, Michelle Dorenkamp, and son-in-law, Eric Dorenkamp; her mother, Kathryn Rains; sisters, Barbara Reatherford and Katherine Moran; brother, Andy Bryant; four nieces and nephews; and her beloved grandpup, Jude. She also leaves behind some very well-worn bleacher seats and countless grateful hearts.

She will be dearly missed—but we’re comforted knowing that Heaven is now running more smoothly, and with just the right pop of red.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day…”— 2 Timothy 4:7–8

Due to a separate family illness, services for Patricia will be postponed. The family plans to hold a celebration of her life at a later date, and details will be shared when available. We appreciate your love, support, and understanding during this time.