Patricia Combs

Patricia Fleming Combs, aged 63, of Mount Jackson, VA, died of pancreatic cancer late Monday, April 1, 2024.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at Dellinger Funeral Home, Woodstock. The Reverend Stephanie Heishman-Litten will officiate. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Patricia was born in Woodstock, VA on December 10, 1960, to Thomas and Ann Fleming.

She attended Stonewall Jackson High School before studying business at James Madison University and graduating with a Bachelor of Science. She then went on to work at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in the Emergency Room until she became pregnant with her first child, Michael. At a young age Michael was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) which introduced Patty to the world of special education. She became very active in the school system advocating for the education of her son and others. This also led her to begin substitute teaching in the Shenandoah County School system, especially in special education classrooms. Later, she became a Paraprofessional at Ashby-Lee Elementary working with students with significant disabilities. After the passing of her father, Patty devoted her time to caring for her mother so that her mother could remain at home.

Patty always chose family, whether that meant her own or making you a part of hers while you were around. She became a second mother to many of her children's friends over the years and always welcomed them into her home with love and a listening ear.

To find Patty without a cat on her lap or under foot was a rare occasion. All throughout her adult years she rescued as many animals as she could and ensured that they had a loving home. Her relationship with the Cat's Cradle organization allowed her to take in and tame down feral cats that needed homes. Her loss will be felt by her many furry, feathered, and scaly friends.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Donald Fleming, and her father, Thomas Fleming. She is survived by her mother Ann Fleming; husband William Combs; son Michael Combs; daughter Emily Combs, husband Chris Lawrence, and beloved grandson Lucas Lawrence; daughter Lindsay Combs and husband Zach Wolverton.

The family will receive family and friends at Dellinger Funeral Home on April 5 between 6-8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter or rescue.

Arrangements are in the care of Dellinger Funeral home, Woodstock.

Online condolences may be made at dellingerfuneralhome.com