Remembering Patricia Brown-Crowe

Dec 1, 2016 | People

[title subtitle=”words: Marla Cantrell
image:courtesy Nick Daniels”][/title]

On November 18, shortly after Patricia Brown-Crowe’s passing, one of her dearest friends said that she’d probably already secured the job as greeter in Heaven, her bright smile flashing each time someone approached the Pearly Gates. And every time that happened, Patricia would walk away with another friend.

Anyone who knew Patricia, understood that if she wanted the job, she’d surely gotten it. “No” was not a word she recognized. Obstacles, to her, were just a signal she needed to work harder. That was one of the reasons we loved her.

For years, we’d followed her story. Her breast cancer diagnosis in 2005. The victory Patricia felt when her first treatment ended. The shock when cancer returned in 2012.

What made her exceptional was the joy that followed her into any room, no matter what her prognosis, and how she shared that joy, helping everyone she could, especially others dealing with cancer.

In May, I interviewed Patricia for Do South. I wanted to tell her story at that time because she’d just gotten married to the man she adored, Michael Crowe, and I realized I’d never have the chance to tell another love story like theirs.

There Patricia was, fighting for her life, and she had found her perfect love. When I visited their home, I watched the two of them. It was like looking at love personified.

She told me that in 2012, faced with the possibility of dying, she’d asked God for four things, all of which came true. The last prayer that was answered was Patricia’s hope that she’d find a man who would love her beyond a season. On November 18, the thought occurred to me that their love had lasted far beyond a season. That love is now eternal.

When I interviewed her, I told her the marriage seemed monumental to me, and Patricia agreed, although she was not surprised. She said she’d felt the hand of God in her life every day since she was a child. And before I left, she talked about her life, her grand adventure.

“I’ve had a front-row seat for miracles. If I die tomorrow, I’m good. I’ve said thank-you, and I love you to the people who need to hear it. I’ve asked forgiveness when I needed to. I’ve lived life large.”

Rest in peace, Patricia Brown-Crowe. We’ll see you on the other side.

Do South Magazine

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