Patricia W. Fisher
October 6, 1938 ~ May 19, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Patricia Watkins Fisher went home to be with her Lord on May 19, 2016, after a long, brave battle with ALS.
She was born October 6, 1938, in Madison County to the late Eugene and Ina Moore Watkins. She lived all her adult life in Buncombe County. Also preceding her in death were her brothers, Bill Watkins and Mike Watkins and her sister, Janet Watkins Hill Corkum.
Patricia was passionate about her family, her flowers, and about serving those in need. She never met a stranger, and she always had time for her many friends.
A devoted Christian, Patricia was a long-time member of West Asheville Baptist Church where she was a beloved member of the Fishers of Men Sunday School Class as well as a Greeter and a former Sunday school teacher in the Children's Department. Among her heavenly welcoming committee was undoubtedly the host of saints whose last years were incredibly blessed by Patricia's faithful visits and loving care as a long time caregiver for the church's Shut-In Ministry. During her working years, she served as a Teacher's Assistant at Thoms Orthopedic School in Asheville and then as owner/operator of Weddings Beautiful Bridal Shop in Candler. In all of these roles, she touched many lives with her kindness and compassion.
As loved as Patricia was by her friends and those privileged to know her, nothing could approach the love that her family felt for her and she for them. For fifty-nine years she was a loving companion to her husband, Harry William Fisher. She was also a fantastic mother to her three sons: Tony (Susan), Keith (Debbie), and Robin (Tricia); and a world-class "mamaw" to her eight grandchildren, Bryan, Jonathan, Jared (Sarah), Lori, Eric, Seth, Kylie and Lacie. She showered those grandkids with love and attention; they will not forget all of the hikes, picnics, outings, and fun adventures they had with her and "papaw". Patricia will also be missed by her four surviving siblings, Charles Watkins (Berta) of Southgate, MI, Bruce Watkins (Louedith) of Pfafftown, NC, Wanda Williams Cole (Roger) of Monroe, MI, and Danny Watkins of Asheville.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at West Asheville Baptist Church, 926 Haywood Road, on Sunday, May 22, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
A funeral service to celebrate her life and homegoing will also be held at the church on Monday, May 23, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Dr. Stan Welch and the Rev. Robin Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery on Bend of Ivy Road, Marshall, NC.
Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Fishers of Men Sunday School Class.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund of West Asheville Baptist Church, 926 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806, or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Extending love and sympathy to you Robin and your family, in the loss of your dear mother. May God comfort you and give you strength in these difficult days.
Dear Harry And Family: I’m so sorry for your loss. The obituary says it all. Pat was such a special lady. Always smiling always positive always there for others. She sure loved her family her church and especially her Lord. Such a dedicated person in all she did. She will be missed by many. Especially Kylie and Lacie. We were just remembering fond memories of their many outings with Mamaw. The fire department, post office, the police station, the library and all her behind the scene tours. And her ice cream stops on the way home. We all loved her! Your a precious husband for taking care of her we love you too!!!!
Robin, Sending our love and prayers for God’s comforting arms to comfort you and your family.
Pastor Robin, Tricia and members of the Fisher family,
Our hearts are saddened with you as you prepare to lay your beloved Sister, Wife, Mother, Mamaw and friend to rest. However, we rejoice with you knowing that she is now healed from this awful disease and in the arms of her Heavenly Father. Our prayers are with you as you go through these difficult days ahead. May God’s amazing grace comfort you, as only He can. We love you and are with you there in heart.
Much Love,
Jimmy and Vickie Lawson
Sunset Avenue Baptist Church – Rocky Mount, NC
John 14:1-4
As I read Her obituary I go to Proverbs 31 and think of one who makes her husband proud and her children rise up and call her blessed. My mind also goes to the beautiful hymn ‘ How Beautiful Heaven Must Be’ which is the Hope of all believers.
Thinking of you all and hope to visit with you on Sunday evening.
Jeff & Teresa Godwin
I was only privileged to see Pat one time. This past Christmas, my Sunday School class at WABC passed out Christmas cards for those who were unable to leave the house. Because she lived somewhat close to me, Pat’s card was in my pile. I found her and Harry’s house and spent a few minutes visiting with them both. What I remember most, besides how well-taken-care-of she was, was the big sweet smile on her face the whole time I was there. I never got to meet her before she was sick but I will surely get to meet her in heaven where her body will be whole, no longer sick, and I’m sure she’ll be wearing that same big smile. Thinking of and praying for her family during this most difficult time.
-Rachel Repasy, West Asheville Baptist Church
We wish to express our condolences & prayers to Harry, Fisher Family & Friends of Pat! We did not know her personally but saw her in the Foyer as a Greeter at WABC, such a sweet beautiful lady with a beautiful smile when she welcomed you! May God give you strength, patience & love thru this time of sorrow! With Love William (Bill) & Karen Carter-Member WABC-Asheville, NC
Harry, and family I know your hearts are saddened by the loss of sweet Pat but again I know you are rejoicing that you know she is out of her suffering and is in the arms ofJesus.. No more pain or sadness. I can sympathies with you because my sweet Ed suffered so much . God will be with you through it all . Pat was a beautiful person inside and out . She left a great legacy. God bless.
Our condolence to Harry and the family. Pat was a special woman, she will truly be missed by everyone , that knew her. It was our pleasure to have known her.
We love you all and are thinking of you all during this time. We have prayed for all of you and Pat many times over the last several years. Please know we think the world of her and are lifting each of you in prayer. We love you all!
Robin, Trisha,and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mom. I am glad she is with Jesus now and not suffering anymore. My love and prayers are with you. What beautiful memories you have to hold close to your heart. Much love, Carolyn Fite
Harry and family, so sorry for loss of such a Godly woman. You both made me feel like West Asheville Baptist Church was where God wanted me to be. I will always rember Pat’s sweet smile. Harry you both were such an inspiration to me from your love, courage and the spreading Jesus’s message to the lost . Being in Faith with you both gave me the courage and a desire to bring the lost to Christ. Harry what a strong and faithful courage to care for your beautiful wife. LOVE and many prayers Teresa Rhinehart. If you need anything call. Here is my # 242-7530
I have loved Patricia for all our lives–77 years. I will always treasure the memories of growing up together, Oak Grove Church (Zora’s Sunday School classes and Bible School, picnics, singing, etc) and, of course, Red Oak, North Buncombe, and basketball. Harry, you are certainly God sent, faithful husband, father and loving caregiver. To Patricia’s family, my heartfelt condolences. To Wanda, Charles, Bruce, and Danny, you are also among the good memories. May God bless all of you. Love, Mattie Ruth
Harry, I know this road has been long for all of you. What a patient, loving caregiver you were! Both you and Pat were such a blessing to me, and it enriched my life just getting to know you. She was one of the most courageous women I have ever known, and I’m pretty sure that we were related somehow in our deep past…(the Watkins link…) Thank you for allowing me to care for her. May God’s Grace continue to bless you throughout this difficult time. I can’t wait to see her again; the next time we will all be healthy!
Dear Family,
My condolences, thoughts. and prayers to you all. I was a former student of Mrs. Fisher’s and have many fond memories of her. She was an awesome teacher and loving person.
I grew up in the same community with Pat. She was a few years older than me and she was my idiot. I’ll always remember her playing basketball at Red Oak School. She was beautiful and I wanted to be just like her. After many years of not seeing her, I finally saw her again when I came to West Asheville Baptist church. It was so wonderful to see her again and she was as beautiful as ever with that wonderful smile. God called another angel to rest in heaven with Him. Pat, you’re home now. For all the people you brought happiness just being near you, we will miss you. My prayers are with the family.
With Love and Sympathy,
Linda Brown
Tony I’m so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Fisher, I am the daughter of Butch and Loretta Turpin. I just wanted to share with you that mother prayed for you and Pat every night until she passed away this past Dec..I just want you to know how much she loved you both. My condolences and prayers to you and your family.