Patricia Joann Carruthers (Lansing)

Ms. Patricia JoAnn Carruthers was born on June 27, 1947, to Arthur Chester and Juanita Ruth Jones of Lansing Michigan. She attended Barnes Avenue Elementary School, Walter French Jr. High, and J.W. Sexton High School.

On October 12, 1965, Patricia was married to Robert Lee Carruthers and to this union three wonderful children were born; Marcelle, Raymond and Bette Carruthers.

She was employed by the Lansing Public School District as a Teacher Assistant, working with Individualized Education Program students as well as students with disabilities. She also worked in Adult Education, helping and encouraging lifelong learners to obtain their GED. Her tenure as a school employee allowed her to touch the hearts of many families in the Lansing communities. Patricia retired from the Lansing Public School District.

As a single parent for many years, she was very active in her children’s lives. She developed positive relationships with her children’s teachers and attended every sporting event. Her expectations of her children were to do your best, never doubt yourself, and most importantly, stay humble, and give God all the Glory.

Patricia enjoyed her morning devotionals and communing with the Lord, watching popular noon day shows, followed by the local news. Pat also spent time with her friend of over 50 years, Janice, shopping the dollar stores and running other miscellaneous errands. Pat was also an avid QVC shopper! When she placed QVC orders by phone, they knew her by name!

The holiday seasons for Patricia brought her joy. Spending time with her family during holidays was a must. She insisted that everyone show up and be prepared to eat, laugh, express love and share memories. The family insisted that her famous sloppy joes be on the menu.

Patricia gave her life to Christ over 20 years ago under the leadership of Pastor Howard Davenport of Lansing Christian Center Church (LCCC). She served as a greeter; her smile was a ray of sunshine. She welcomed everyone with words of encouragement. She regularly blessed the LCCC congregation with her gift of expressive reading and inspired writings. Reading poems was her forte. She also served on the advisory council of the Ambassadors for Christ Youth Ministry. Because of Pat’s long-standing employment with the Lansing Public School District, she provided sound guidance and wisdom on ways to minister to children of all ages.

On Wednesday, February 20, 2019, Christ received our precious Patricia to her Heavenly Home to live with Him eternally at the age of 71 years.

Patricia was proceeded in death by her mother, Juanita R. Jones, her aunt, Betty Jones, her brother, Raymond R. Jones, father of her 3 children, Robert Lee Carruthers, and other close family members.

Patricia leaves to cherish her memory 3 children, Marcelle R. Carruthers, Raymond M. (Yvonne) Carruthers, Bette A. (Keithe) Aimery; father, Arthur C. (Norma Jean Champion); brothers, Arthur C. Jones Jr., and stepbrother, Jeffery Champion; sisters, Stella Jean (Alfred) Christian and stepsister Sharon Champion; sister-in-law, Patricia Jones; nieces, LaTonya (Michael) Jones, Tiffany (Jermaine) DeGree, and Erika Jean (Chantwan) Jackson; nephews, Raymond (Monica) Jones and Justin Jones; grandchildren, Ryan Taylor, Ashari Carruthers, Destinee Porter, Daymea House, Bryson Hill, Angelique Marshall, and Brooke Marshall; 5 great grandchildren; cousin, Raymond Alex Jones of Ohio; special friends, Janice Kinley, Kristine Koenigsknecht, Mary Bauman, Cindy Mayes, and Sharon Lane, along with a host of relatives and friends.