ROCKINGHAM — Janice Patrick was born Oct. 16,1944 in Rockingham, and peacefully passed away at the age of 76 at her home, in Rockingham on April 16, 2021. She lived for her Lord, her husband and her family. She will be missed always, spoken of daily, and remembered completely, lovingly, and with a smile.
She married her high school sweetheart, Jerry, and they shared over 61 years together in love and over 59 years together in marriage. Alongside the love of her life, she made their house a home, raised her two children, and enjoyed a full and happy life as a family of four. Over the years, her family continued to expand and Janice was blessed with three grandsons, a great-grandson, and two great-granddaughters. She loved nothing more than being their Nana and Nana Jan.
Janice was a wonderful cook and gracious hostess and her home was often filled with family, friends, delicious aromas, stories being shared, and laughter. As much as Jerry enjoyed golf and westerns, Janice loved the beach, reading, watching her favorite movies and TV shows, playing cards, and shopping. She never missed sending a birthday card or gift and, if able, she was always there to celebrate, congratulate and cheer her loved ones on.
Janice worked at Diamond Mart for many years and retired in 2005. Many will remember her smiling face behind the jewelry counter. Always ready to help you find the perfect piece, give you her honest opinion, and have a conversation for as long as you’d like. She was an exceptional saleswoman and always put her clients first. People today still treasure the jewelry that she sold them — their engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary gifts — some of their most prized, valuable, and special belongings. To have a role in helping one procure such items…what a beautiful professional legacy she leaves behind.
Janice was a member of Pee Dee United Methodist Church. She loved her church family and was actively involved in a variety of church activities, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach. Outings with her Sunday school class, her time helping with children’s ministries, and time shared with the women of the church were some of her most cherished moments.
She was predeceased by her parents, James B. Sweatt and Clara Sweatt; her sister, Mildred McDonald; and brother, Cam Sweatt.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Patrick; daughter, Tanya Mercer and her husband, Gene; brothers, Burley Sweatt and J.B. Sweatt; sisters, Donna McDuffie, Sandra Tucker and Jane Black; sister-in-law, Patricia Steele and her husband, Mitchell; three grandchildren, Trey Gathings, Brett Gathings and Zachary Patrick; three great-grandchildren, Alexis, Lewis and Clara Gathings.
The family will receive friends and relatives during a visitation service at Pee Dee United Methodist Church, 101 Second Ave. Pee Dee, Rockingham, on Monday, April 19, from 6–8 p.m.
A service of remembrance and celebration of Janice’s life will be held at Pee Dee United Methodist Church on Tuesday, April 20, starting at 3 p.m. Interment will be held following the funeral at the Eastside Cemetery in Rockingham. Afterward, the family will receive friends and relatives at Janice’s home, 237 Bryan Circle, Rockingham.
Carter Funeral Home of Rockingham is serving the Patrick family and condolences may be posted online at www.carterfuneral.net. Memorials can be made to Richmond County Hospice and Pee Dee United Methodist Church.
(Submitted by family.)
