Patsy Lea

It was just like Pat Lea to bring her optimistic outlook to every situation. With her favorite color being red, it was no wonder she had a loving heart mixed with a sophisticated nature. Hard working yet extremely adaptable to her circumstances, Pat was in a class all her own which will never be forgotten.

Pat's story began at a time when families struggled through the hardships of the Great Depression and impending war overseas. They learned to find joy in the little things in life, which in turn freed their minds from everyday worries. It was in the midst of these troubling times on March 2, 1934 when Jeff and Rebecca (Simmons) Anderson welcomed the birth of their precious daughter, Patsy into their arms, and the third of their eventually four children. As a family they made their home in Brewton, Alabama where Pat was born and raised along with her siblings, Jeff, Mary and Jane.

To provide for his family, Pat's father worked at the local lumber mill and her mother served as a domestic housekeeper. Life back then was clearly segregated, and could be felt by all. During her educational years, Pat attended Southern Normal School. She was a good student, and paid attention to her studies. She also found time to play on her school basketball team. Although she didn't complete her education, Pat graduated on to the greatest blessing of her life when she gave birth to her only child, Patrick during what would have been her senior year. She soon set out to find work to support him, and did what she could to get by.

Like her sister and a few of her girlfriends, Pat ventured out on her own and moved to New Jersey to work as a live-in housekeeper. She lived in Englewood, and worked in the metropolitan area where work was found. Through this experience, Pat became a great home keeper and cook, and made the best fried chicken ever. Although she enjoyed what she was doing, it was difficult leaving her son Patrick behind with her parents to raise during these years.

In the 1950s, Pat's life took on new meaning when she met Robert Lea at an area party. He sang with the doo-wop group, The Avon's as the lead singer and they went on to make several records. After a five year courtship, Pat and Robert were joined in marriage on August 2, 1962 in Englewood, New Jersey. Pat continued working, but all she could think of was her dream to one day have a house of her own.

Before long, all of Pat's hard work and dreaming paid off. In 1965 she and Robert purchased a big, beautiful Victorian home of their own and Pat could not have been happier. With Robert and Patrick by her side, Pat had everything she ever dreamed of.

It was during this time in Pat's life when she learned to savor the finer things in life. Throughout her working career as a housekeeper, she came to like the sophisticated lifestyle. Quite a classy and fashionable woman, Pat had a penchant for clothes, purses, and shoes, and had all the jewelry to match. She absolutely loved shopping in New York and usually went all out while there.

Pat's talent for fashion extended to her decorating abilities, too. She was good at floral arranging and knew how to set a magnificent party table, all of which were recognized by those for which she was employed, including Eddie Murphy for several years. Quite valuable and well respected, Pat was regarded as a fine worker, and a very personable woman. She made friends easily, and was never shy about sharing her opinions.

While Pat remained a housekeeper, Robert worked various jobs. When he was in the service during the war, his music group split up. He took on work when he could get it, such as his job as a door installer for a small company. He did, however, continue to bless others with his singing at their church home, Galilee United Methodist Church. Church was a large part of Pat and Robert's life. He sang while Pat was involved with many groups and committees.

There were many things in life Pat found joy in. Along with her love of fashion, she enjoyed the theatre, and loved dancing in her earlier years. Very crafty, she had artistic flair, and loved paging through her fashion magazines and working on puzzles. Her feline and canine companions also gave her company, but when surrounded by others, Pat truly glowed. Some of her best days included sitting in her big, screened in porch visiting (gossiping!) with neighbors.

Pat was diagnosed with diabetes and in time it took a turn for the worst. In 2004, she was forced to retire. In May of 2006, as her illness was getting the best of her, she and Robert moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan to be close to Patrick and his wife, Colleen.

Throughout her struggles, Pat remained stoic and composed. Even through her many eye surgeries, she remained strong. Brave and determined, she was able to enjoy having relatives come for visits during the summer months. Over the last years, Pat suffered from multiple strokes which supported the move from Hope Woods to Park Place Living Centre in January 2013. At the age of 79 she sadly died on Monday, September 23, 2013.

Pat Lea was one of a kind. She lived fully and completely at every opportunity, and experienced some of the finer things that life had to offer. With faith as her guide, Pat was willing and prepared to be rejoined with those who have gone on before her. Although deeply missed, Pat leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Pat was preceded in death by her brother, Jeff Anderson, Jr. and sister, Mary Jackson. Members of her family include her husband of 51 years, Robert Lea; son, Patrick Anderson (Colleen Gallagher); two sisters, Jane Beck “Sadiyyah Naji” and Betty Davis; her Aunt Lucille Simmons; sister-in-law, Rosie Anderson; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of her service at 11:00 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900. Please visit Pat’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Covenant Day Program (c/o St. Michael’s Lutheran Church).