July 24, 1944 - September 9, 2024
Patricia Kay Bennett Barksdale was born July 24, 1944 in Albany, GA to Curtis Brown and Margaritte Lucile Bennett. It took 14 short years for her to meet the love of her life, James Donald Barksdale, known affectionately to her as Donald. Four quick years later they were married, and that was the start of a 61-year love story. She died peacefully of a heart attack in Sylvania on September 9, 2024, surrounded by her family with Donald ever faithfully at her side. Kay’s legacy lives on through her husband Donald, her older sister Judy, her brother and his family Greg and Pam Bennett, her two daughters and their families: Alena Bazemore and Todd Howard and her two children, Seth and Emily, Marla and Keith Baker and their two children, Kayla and Kendal, and several nieces and nephews.
Kay lived life with passion and beauty. A constant companion to Donald in life and business, Kay was known throughout the community as a true steel magnolia. A proper southern belle, she ran tractor dealerships and multiple housing communities and could always be counted on for a quick smile and her compassion. Miss Kay was sincere in everything she did, and a model for all to learn from. She graduated from Worth County Highschool in 1962, before going to work full time. Thirty years later, Kay fulfilled a lifelong dream, graduating cum laude from Georgia Southern with a degree in accounting, finishing fourth out of a class of 400 while working full time as a mom and business partner. Unapologetically herself, she lived a life full of love and activity. From her tenants to her family, she genuinely cared for everyone she came across.
Kay always had an eye for beauty. Whether it was her gardens, decorating for the holidays, or ensuring she was always presenting her best self, she loved to make sure she was surrounded by beauty. But nothing compared to the love she had for her family. A great cook and better host, Kay was known as the family historian and loved to tell stories to her grandkids. Nothing was more important to her than family. A devout Christian, Kay was a member of the First Baptist Church in both Sylvester and Sylvania.
The viewing will be Friday, September 13th at Joiner Anderson Funeral Home Screven Chapel from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, with a service immediately following officiated by Rev. Clint Sheppard.
Interment will follow at the Screven County Memorial Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Quinn Bennett, Seth Bazemore, AJ Trupp, Barron Trupp, Cole Trupp, Todd Howard, Keith Baker, and Kyle Jaunich.
You may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner Anderson Funeral Home Screven Chapel is in charge of all arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Kay, please visit our floral store.
