Patricia Skellie

Patricia Ann Stewart Skellie, 74, Long Beach, passed away at home surrounded by her family on December 9th, 2021.  Patricia was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Hosea Stewart and Pearl Glisson Stewart. She was a graduate of Biloxi High School and received her B.S. from the University of Southern Mississippi and her Master’s from William Carey College. During college, she met the love of her life, William “Billy” Skellie. She and Billy were happily married for 55 years and have two children and three grandchildren. Of all of her numerous accomplishments, her greatest was loving mother, grandmother and wife. Patricia was a true southern lady and a wonderful example of a Christian wife, mother and friend.

Pat was a teacher and principal of the Long Beach Middle School and Long Beach Alternative School before retiring in 2012 after 35 years.  She demanded the best, respected all, and loved all of her students no matter what.

She joined First Baptist Church in Long Beach as a new bride and loved her church family.  She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, served on committees and cherished her Sunday School Class. Most importantly, her love of Jesus Christ never wavered.

She was active in the Long Beach Historical Society, Delta Kappa Gamma, P.E.O. Chapter B, Long Beach Home Makers Club, and the Beach Club Kids After School Program. She loved to travel, read, and mostly shop. She was on a first name basis with malls and boutiques in at least three states. Pat was a fun, loving friend you could always count on and was your friend for life. She was always the life of the party.

She is survived by her husband, William “Billy” Skellie and two children, Griff Skellie (Monica) and Ashley Skellie, three beloved grandchildren:  Alex Skellie (Emma), Taylor Skellie, and Dillon Myers; brothers and sisters-in-law:  Marilyn and Tony VanCourt, Pat and Ronnie Skellie and Barry Skellie; her aunt, Ruby Stringer; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Garvis and Dorothy Stewart and in-laws, Mable and William Skellie.

Pat and Billy have been blessed by wonderful, lifelong friends. The family is extremely grateful and forever touched by their loving family and friends.

The family would like to thank Shane Walker, David Taylor and Felisa Gaddis at St. Joseph’s Hospice and Lakesia Cocroft and Robin Buch of Southern Living Assistance for caring for our beloved Pat. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 9-11am at First Baptist Church of Long Beach. Funeral services will follow at 11am with burial at the Long Beach City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Long Beach Building Fund and the Scholarship Fund for PEO, Chapter B- Long Beach.