Patricia Kirby Eddins, born Sept. 19, 1949, died in University Hospital, Little Rock, Ark., on July 31, 2014.

Pat, a native of Atmore, was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Rayford Kirby and Ruth Hood Kirby.
She is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Kim Eddins; three grandchildren, Kirby Eddins, Patrick Hammonds and Madison Hammonds; two brothers, David Kirby and Tommy (Aline) Kirby; and aunts, Grace McCrory and Hazel Hicks.

Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1991, Pat began her long journey of experimental treatments in hopes to find a cure for her, and those patients coming after her. The first patient from Alabama to begin treatment in Little Rock, Pat pioneered the fight for Alabama insurance companies to cover costs associated with treatment in Little Rock and for the University Hospital to accept payment from Alabama insurance companies. Pat paved the way for hundreds of Alabama residents to receive treatment in Arkansas.

Pat was a lover of sports — especially Auburn football, and tennis. Pat was proud of winning the city champion award in tennis. A lover of people, Pat joined the staff of The First National Bank of Atmore in 1976, and worked for over 30 years. During that time, Pat organized all bank events, advertising, and led the First National Bank Travel Club, giving many customers the opportunity to travel to places they may not have otherwise had the chance to visit.

A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Atmore, Pat was a Sunday School teacher for the young children for many, many years. She followed these children throughout their life, showering them with love and guidance. Upon retirement from teaching, First Baptist Church awarded Pat the Lifetime Achievement award for her many years of service. Pat was a member of the American Cancer Society and for more than 10 years was the highest individual fund raiser for Relay for Life. 

She was a tireless volunteer, and counseled numerous newly-diagnosed cancer patients. Always with a smile and words of encouragement, Pat believed that life was worth living to the fullest, and everyone should take advantage of any opportunity offered to them.

A lover of butterflies and flowers, Pat was a member and former President of the Atmore Garden Club, and was instrumental in helping Atmore obtain the beautiful hanging plants located on Main Street. Her latest hobby was raising butterflies in her backyard.

Visitation was held Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Atmore. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Atmore, with the Rev. Arnold Hendrix and the Rev. Kelly Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Patrick Hammonds, Kirby Eddins, Jason Kirby, Wade Kirby, Ricky McCrory, Rusty Hicks, Marcus Hood and Bob Hood. Honorary Pall Bearers will be the Atmore Garden Club.

Donations in Pat’s memory may be made to American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Checks may be mailed to First National Bank & Trust, P.O. Box 27, Atmore, AL 36504 and they will be forwarded to the appropriate organization.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of funeral arrangements.