Patricia Quarles

Matriarch and chieftain of our clan, has passed away after a valiant fight with cancer. Born with sand in her shoes, in Polk County, Florida, she never let Florida stray far from her heart. She painted, wrote poetry and had a beautiful voice in her younger days. Through her guidance, we all have inherited a deep appreciation for God's creation. As an avid bird watcher, she taught us to recognize a wide variety of birds and their songs, and how to hunt seashells at our favorite family beach vacation spots. She also taught us how to plant a garden and to grow flowers. She loved beagles. She had an abiding faith in the Lord and did not fear death. She was the best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt that anyone could wish for and we shall miss her dearly, but we will not mourn.