Patricia "Pat" (Barber) Boatwright

Patricia “Pat” (Barber) Boatwright, born on July 4, 1944, in Atlanta, GA, went home to be with her Lord on November 13, 2025, passing peacefully and unexpectedly in her home in Boiling Springs, SC. True to her Independence Day birthday, Pat was a firecracker, full of spirit, humor, and a light that drew people in.

The youngest of three children born to Doris (Harris) and Harold Barber, Pat grew up in Atlanta surrounded by family, warmth, and the values that shaped her life. She graduated from Druid Hills High School and went on to attend secretarial school, beginning a lifelong career defined by dedication, loyalty, and a strong work ethic.

While she was in high school, Pat met the love of her life, Grimes “Bo” Boatwright. The two were inseparable from the beginning, and their devotion to one another became the foundation of a beautiful life together. Pat and Bo were married on March 23, 1963, beginning a marriage marked by laughter, partnership, and a deep, enduring love.

In 1969, they welcomed their only child, Laura, through adoption when she was just nine weeks old. Pat and Bo embraced parenthood with their whole hearts. They truly were the best parents, creating a home filled with warmth, support, and unconditional love. Their lives together were rich with travel, joy, and the kind of love story that is rarely seen, one that inspired everyone who knew them.

In 1964, Bo’s work moved the young couple from Atlanta to Spartanburg (Moore), SC. Pat quickly made friends, some of whom remained dear to her throughout her life. Her warm smile, easy laughter, and gift for making everyone feel welcome meant she never met a stranger. Prior to adopting Laura, Pat worked at the Spartanburg National Bank, where she was valued for her dedication and professionalism. She then stayed home with Laura through her early childhood, creating a loving and nurturing home. Once Laura started school, Pat returned to the workforce, joining the City of Spartanburg, where she brought the same warmth, dependability, and genuine care that defined every part of her life.

When Bo’s work took them to Charlottesville (Crozet), VA in 1981, Pat once again built a community around her. Her friendly, outgoing nature made it effortless for her to connect with others, and she became active in the Christian Women’s Club, where her faith, hospitality, and genuine love for people shone brightly.

In 1989, another career move took Pat and Bo to Houston, TX. There, they found a spiritual home at Second Baptist Church, where they both became deeply involved. Pat eventually joined the church staff, first working with Success Insights, a ministry supporting working women, and later serving in the Prayer Ministry, where she remained for many years. Her unwavering faith and compassion made her a devoted and faithful prayer warrior, lifting up countless people with sincerity, grace, and steadfast belief.

Pat and Bo were also deeply committed to pro-life causes, serving as board members for the Foundation for Life. Having adopted their daughter, they felt a profound calling to support adoption and advocate for the sanctity of life, a commitment that reflected their enduring love, compassion, and faith.

With Bo’s passing in 2023, Pat made the move to Spartanburg (Boiling Springs), SC, where her daughter and family lived. She moved in and instantly, it was home. Surrounded by love and daily companionship, Pat settled into this new season of life with grace and gratitude.

Returning to the area meant reuniting with friends she had cherished for more than 60 years. She slipped right back into those lifelong friendships as though no time had passed. Pat joined a weekly ladies’ lunch group, always eager for good conversation, good food, and a good laugh. She also enjoyed spontaneous outings and gatherings, embracing every opportunity to be with people. True to form, she became part of several card-playing groups, where her competitive spirit and quick wit were on full display.

At home, Pat was an absolute joy. She was warm, funny, thoughtful, and easy to be around. Her presence filled the house with comfort, laughter, and a sense of peace that only she could bring.

Pat is survived by her beloved daughter, Laura Clamon, and her husband, Ting, of Boiling Springs, SC; grandchildren Macy of Boiling Springs, SC, and Putter of Temple, TX. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Barber, and his wife, Barbara, of Duluth, GA; and her sister-in-law, Jinny Barber, widow of Pat’s brother Ronnie, of Decatur, GA.

Pat was a cherished aunt to Stephanie Layson of St. Simons Island, GA; Kim Sutton-Adair of Atlanta, GA; Lorry Barber of Peachtree Corners, GA; and Elizabeth Howie of Conway, SC; as well as Mike Barber of Cartersville, GA, and John Howie of Henderson, NC. She also leaves behind several great-nieces and nephews.

Pat also leaves behind numerous friends whom she loved and treasured dearly, a testament to her warmth, generosity, and the countless lives she touched.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist North Spartanburg, located at 8740 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC. Reverend Tommy Sparks will officiate, with a eulogy delivered by family friend Michele Brown Hill.

Her faith was her guiding light, her love a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will forever be a blessing to her family and friends.