Patricia Ann Bottoms

Patricia Ann Bottoms passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her closest family, on December 1, 2025. She was born in DeFuniak on September 8, 1940 to Clio and Austin Ford Jones. Pat received a bachelor’s degree from Troy University then returned to DeFuniak Springs where she served the community as a teacher for 42 ½ years and with her work as a board member of the Liberty Volunteer Fire Department. She was also proud to help transport children and families to Shriner’s Hospital in Tampa, and she put smiles on countless faces through her work helping with the Shriner Clowns.

Pat married the love of her life, John, on July 24, 1964 and was proud of the life they grew together. They built a farm and homestead place, operated Jone’s Grocery Store, and raised their son John Emmitt.

Pat was always more concerned about others than herself - a precious quality of hers that will always be treasured. She never did anything for herself, rather she always looked for ways to serve those she knew and loved. Her family, her friends, and her animals were all highly cherished and no one ever doubted Pat’s love for them. She looked forward to her daily morning phone call with her son and took advantage of every opportunity to spend time with her beloved grandchildren, Maggie and Elliott.

She lived by a few mottos that will serve as a gift for generations to come. Pat would say - “always be early, never be late”, “get it done now,” and “clean up one mess before making another”. These maxims are life skills that her family and friends can continue living by as they honor and remember her.

Pat leaves behind her loving husband John Wayne Bottoms, son John Emmitt Bottoms (Suzanne Akins Bottoms) and grandchildren Elliott and Maggie Bottoms. She is also survived by siblings: Carolynn Jones, Tammy and Barry Newton, Kay and Kent Welsh, and Beverly Bottoms, and friends who are family: John M Dunham, Jordan Dunham, Neveah and Hayden Dunham, and Big John Dunham.

She is preceded in death by her father Austin Ford Jones, mother Clio Alvis Adkison Jones, brother Gene Austin Jones, and nephew Brian Austin Sharp.

Tougher than nails, incredibly selfless, unconditionally loving, and quick to forgive are phrases that described Pat well. She will long be remembered as an amazing wife, Mom, Grannie, and teacher, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.