Patricia Gloria Carr

Patricia Gloria Carr, the daughter to the late Henry and Ella Simmons, was born on November 8, 1940, in Pawley's Island, SC. She peacefully departed this life on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the age of eighty-four. She grew up in a household full of love with eleven siblings and in an area known as the oldest seaside resort in America. She was raised on a small subsistence farm, where crops and livestock were cultivated to support the family's needs. Her passion for gardening and her love for animals developed rapidly here. Patricia received her early education at the historic Holy Cross Faith Memorial School, where her mother's best friend, the legendary educator Ruby Forsyth (known as Miss Ruby), taught her and other local children alongside her husband, Reverend William Forsyth. After graduating from Holy Cross Faith Memorial School and later Howard High School, she relocated to Washington, DC with her husband. Once in DC, she enrolled in the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, where she completed her studies and became a nursing assistant at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She subsequently joined the United States Postal Service, dedicating 32 years of climbing the ranks until she reached the position of plant supervisor, retiring on April 1, 1999. Marriage and Family In 1959, Patricia had a chance encounter with the love of her life, Joseph Carr Jr., when fate had him driving his cousin over to visit with Patricia's sister. This unexpected meeting set the stage for a remarkable romance that blossomed for over 65 years. Their marriage blessed them with three children, six grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, whom she loved selflessly and unconditionally supported. Eventually, they relocated to Washington, DC where they lived for 62 years. They later became active members of Praise Redemption Center Church where both served as Elders, and she also served as nurse aid to the Pastor. They later joined Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD, where she joyfully served on the Usher Board, Comfort Ministry, Adult Choir, and the Security Ministry. She and her husband were active in the church's drama ministry, starring in a play about Fredrick Douglas and Harriet Tubman that was widely celebrated in the DMV area. A Caring and Loving Spirit Patricia possessed a servant's heart and a genuine love for helping and caring for others. She worked diligently for God and His people, displaying remarkable generosity and unwavering faith. Beyond her service within the church, Patricia lived out her faith in extraordinary ways. Over a 10-year span, she and her husband opened their home to over fifteen foster children, embracing kids of various ages and walks of life. Through her compassion, Patricia created a safe and nurturing space where these children could thrive and feel loved. Her spirit of service and empathetic heart also extended to her professional life. She excelled in her career with the U.S. Postal Service, earning her the nickname, "Powerful Pat" for her ability to inspire and bring out the best in her staff. Patricia was a lover of art, travel, and the beauty of life. As a Personal Preference art consultant, she hosted many art shows in the DMV area, bringing joy and discovery of art to her community. Her love of adventure led her around the world on over twenty cruises, visiting places like Mexico, England, Paris, Russia, Hawaii, North Africa, Poland, Sweden, Japan, and Jamaica. At home, she found peace in her garden, cultivating cherry blossoms, geraniums, roses, hostas, and azaleas, all of which brought her great joy. Patricia's deepest joy came from the love she shared with her family, whether through intimate one-on-one moments dispensing advice or organizing larger gatherings. She cherished spending time with everyone and had a special passion for cooking, especially during the holidays. Her signature dishes included sweet potato pie, banana pudding, seafood salad, and fruitcake. Celebrating alongside her family and friends brought her the utmost happiness and fulfillment. Farewell Patricia leaves to cherish her memory a husband of 65 years Joseph Carr Jr; sons Ethan Carr (Felicia) of Ft. Washington, MD, LeRon Carr (Bernadette) of Waldorf, MD; six grandchildren LaTia Carr, Ariel Carr, Christopher Carr, Nicholas Carr, Justin Carr, Jamal Carr, great grandchild Arianna Carr; Siblings Richard Simmons (Mildred), Esther Meyers, Harrison Simmons (Betty); In-laws Alberta Simmons. Others who were especially beloved were a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her son Seth Carr, parents, sister Sarah Bell Alston (LeRoy), Shirley Simmons and brothers Henry Lee Simmons, Paul Simmons (Lillie Ann), Joseph Simmons, Thurgood Bunch Simmons, her in-laws. Patricia was a devoted wife and mother, a compassionate caregiver, a renaissance woman, the heart of her family, and a servant of the Lord. Well done, good and faithful servant. Patricia Carr - Celebration of Life Jan 15, 2025 (Wednesday) Ebenezer AME Church Viewing: 10:00am, Funeral: 11:00am 7707 Allentown Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 Ph. (301) 248-8833 Streaming: https://live.ebenezerame.org/

Patricia Gloria Carr

November 8, 1940 - January 2, 2025