Patricia Allene Ellis Kilburn, 92, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Monday, February 23, 2026.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, she was born on April 18, 1933, the daughter of the late William S. Ellis and Marjoria Elizabeth McCarson. A loving and devoted wife, she and her late husband, Jack, traveled the world — from Australia to Russia, to China, and throughout most of Europe. She was loved by all: her five daughters, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many others who adoringly called her “Meme.” She was always empathetic toward others, showing unwavering kindness and selfless love to everyone she came in contact with during her life.

A pillar of strength and compassion, Pat dedicated her life to nurturing her children and making everyone she met feel special. It was her gentle soul, warm hugs, listening ear, and ability to find joy in the smallest moments — from shopping ‘til you drop to sharing a laugh over coffee — that made her so very special.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Jack, her forever love. She is survived by her daughters: Connie (Bob) Deutsch of Fargo, ND; Cathy (Steve) Benson of Spartanburg, SC; Kim (Vance) Donald of Daytona, FL; Kellie (Richard) Trotta of Jupiter, FL; and Krista (Chuck) Steveskey of Savannah, GA; 10 grandchildren: Jennifer (Brian) Grizzard; Steven (Heather) Benson; Elizabeth (Travis) Galloway; Matthew (Molly) Nichols; Megan (Matt) Donald; Alison Deutsch; Natalie (Kyle) LaPlante; Todd (Cécile) Deutsch; Clinton (Jessica) Trotta; and Emilee (Patrick) Johnson; 14 great-grandchildren: Robert Benson; Andrew and Morgan Grizzard; Bella, Sophia, and Olivia Galloway; Maddox and Asher Nichols; McKenzie and Maddie Hanse; Olivia and Penelope Johnson; Julien Deutsch; and Birdie Lynn LaPlante; her sister, Beth Claybrook; her brother, Mike (Julia) McCarson; and many who considered her a mother figure. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Jackie Allene.

A private service will be held at Jesus Our Risen Savior Catholic Church in Spartanburg. A Celebration of Life will be held in Fayetteville, Georgia, in July (TBD). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Jesus Our Risen Savior Catholic Church Building Fund, the American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family will be at the home of her daughter, Cathy, and Steve Benson in Spartanburg, SC.