Mrs. Patricia E. Thorne

Mrs. Patricia Elizabeth Thorne of Tampa, FL passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:30 a.m. at Love First Christian Center, 12847 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview, FL 33579 with Dr. Jomo Cousin, Officiating. Interment will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023, 11:30 a.m. in Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.

Mrs. Patricia Elizabeth Thorne was the fifth of eight children born to the late Myrtle Gunnings de Mendoza and Charlie Knight of Colon, Republic of Panama, on Wednesday, December 28, 1949.  Patricia met and married her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert G. Thorne. Their union launched a life of awesome blessings, and their three daughters were blessed. God-fearing, elegant, refined, kind, creative, thoughtful, and caring; always willing to extend a helping hand, portrays the life and character of Patricia. Moreover, she was a loving and faithful wife, mother, and grandmother. She was baptized as an infant at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Colon, Republic of Panama; educated in Panama at Abel Bravo High School and later received her Associate in Science Degree in Accounting/Technology from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. She held several key accounting positions throughout her husband’s military career and concluded her professional career at Seminole Electric as an accountant technician for 20 years before retiring.

Within the church, Patricia served on altar, greeter/usher, VBS, and children’s ministries, as well as actively volunteered for mission trips. She remained extremely devoted to her God, family, and church participation; both spiritually and financially until the Lord called her home. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with each of them. Patricia loved to do the Lord’s work, travel, and fellowship with others. Compassionately and selflessly, she extended her home as a haven to all who needed help.

Five siblings preceded her in death: two sisters, Salina, and Paula Mendoza; and three brothers, Pat Oliver Bryan, Enrique, and Rodolfo Mendoza.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her husband, Robert; three loving daughters, Edilma P. Jackson and her husband Eugene (St. Augustine, Florida), Michelle T. Washington and her husband Pastor (Dr.) Lenny (Odessa, Florida), and Vielka E. Thorne-Thomas and her husband Carlos (Tampa, Florida); 4 grandchildren, Eugene L. Jackson Jr., Diamond M. Jackson, Giovanni A. Concepcion, and Gabriella N. Thomas; two sisters, Janette Sandra Mendoza and Rosaura Maria Mora; a total of 52 nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins and very close friends.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” Psalm 91:1

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to RAY WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME, Rhodes & Northern, Owners. http://www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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