Reverend Verda Mae “Pat” Smith, 90, Centralia, Washington, passed away March 3, 2026.
With deep sorrow and much love, we mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and matriarch. Pat was a source of love and warmth, guiding our family with wisdom, humor and kindness. She will be forever remembered for her unwavering strength and boundless love.
Born May 26, 1935, in Fort Morgan, Colorado, to the late Laverda Winona Tomlinson and Preston Edelber Journey, Pat was a dedicated reverend and an active member of her church. She was an avid knitter, crocheter and upholsterer. Also a talented artist and painter who was quick to beautify her surroundings or even decorate a sock to cover an unfortunate childhood wound.
Pat met the love of her life, Dale, at her mother‘s restaurant in Seattle. Upon their first meeting, while rewriting the specials on a chalkboard, she knew she would marry him. After an initial courtship, they married June 10, 1953. Dale was a mechanic, and Pat recognized early on in their marriage that if she wanted to spend more time with her “Darlin,” then she needed to join his passions. She rolled up her sleeves and taught herself the skill of upholstery. Together, they ran successful businesses for decades.
Soon into their marriage, they began a lifetime in service to the Lord. Throughout their devotion, they pastored many churches across the West Coast, ending in Centralia, Washington. Their shared love of Christ and planting seeds of compassion is their shared legacy, which continues to grow within their bloodline and community.
Her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment spent as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She taught us the value of togetherness, speaking our mind, standing up for injustice, and that showing kindness is never an act of weakness.
Pat is survived by her children; Connie and David Baird, Steve and Tina Smith, Richard Smith and Larry Smith; 18 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Smith; her daughter, Debbie; her mother, Laverda Winona Tomlinson; and her father, Preston Edelber Journey.
A celebration of life will be held at Ford’s Prairie Grange on Friday, March 13, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to her church, Springs of Living Water Chapel, care of Connie.
