Patricia Ellene Eaton

Patricia Eaton Obituary On March 6, 1948, Patricia Ellene Roberts was born to the proud parents of: Bill and Hazel (nee Gibbs) Roberts. Patricia was their only child to bless this union and was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood Patricia (fondly known as and often called “Pat”) attended Patrick Henry Jr. High School and then on to Glenville High School where in both cases she shared homerooms with a person who was to later to play a major role in her life. In the meantime, Pat graduated in 1966 and was voted “Most Aggressive” in her class’s popularity poll. She was a member of the Literary Club and the majorettes’ manager. After graduating from Glenville High Pat matriculated at Miami University (at Athens, Ohio) in pursuit of a degree in speech therapy, that very summer. Although things did not work out as she had planned Pat did not give up on higher education and later attended Cuyahoga Community College to study interior design. On ‘All Saints Day’ (November 1st of 1979) the person who had shared homerooms with Pat (throughout their school years 12 to 18) was back in Pat’s life, he had proposed to her and in a very private ceremony at his parent’s house wed her and gave her his name….Mrs. George S. Eaton. Their marriage was that of a blended family. Pat having a son, Byron Carlisle Roberts, and George (often referred to as Smitty) having a daughter, Gia Lynn, their union was eventually blessed with the birth of a son Toran Micheal, making it a ‘yours, mine and ours’ kind of gift. Gia Lived with Pat and Smitty for several years and attended Shaker Hts. High. She slowly adjusted to her new environment and grew to be an essential part of the family. She ultimately became the daughter Pat always wanted but never had. Unfortunately, in the winter of 2004, Byron Carlisle was in a fatal car accident in Columbus, Ohio. His death was especially hard on his wife Minyon and Pat. Pat never really recovered from the loss and spent every year on October 5th (Byron’s birthday) visiting his gravesite. Pat was known for her warmth, generosity and a keen eye for a great shopping bargain. Nicknamed by a close friend as the “Queen” of discount sales, she always found hidden treasures at garage sales and outlet stores – picking just the perfect pieces to reflect her sense of fashion and taste. Beyond the joy she had with interior design and decorating Pat took great pride in tending to her backyard oasis with its many plants, that flowed into and filled her living room. In 1978 Pat along with Dianna Roberts, a very dear and close good friend, started an auxiliary to a local chapter of Jay Cees (a national organization dedicated to community service). This chapter was the South East Cleveland Jay Cees and was the only black chapter in Ohio. She also attended and participated in Glenville Class reunions and galas, sharing memories and reconnecting with old friends. Being a believer in Jesus Christ Pat was baptized, confirmed and attended Fellowship Lutheran Church at a young age. She later joined MT. Zion Congregational Church of Christ, where for many years she worked in the gift shop after Sunday services, in the church’s Kitchen for special occasions and eventually she diligently carried out the duties of Deacon. Pat would later during a midnight watch service (in which she was powerfully moved ) join South Euclid United Church of Christ. It was a new spiritual home for her in which she felt very comfortable. She became an active and dutiful member of the church’s Food Bin Distribution Program, and many times brought her granddaughter, Angel, with her – in rain or shine weather – to work alongside of committee members. At every holiday gathering Pat made sure that the seasons were special for her family members, especially for her beloved grandchildren who affectionately called her “Mimi”. Her compassion was most evident in the devotion and care that she provided for her mother Hazel, who after a stroke became wheelchair bound. Pat and family welcomed Gram (as Hazel was called) into their arms and home, building an addition onto their house complete with handicapped bathroom and ramps for her convenience, comfort and safety. Pat’s unwavering care for her mother serves as a testament to her selflessness and generous heart. Pat dedicated herself to inspiring and educating youth. First working as a lunch aid at Lomond Elementary School in Shaker Heights. Then after several years switching to the Shaker Heights Library System spending many years and hours at the main campus and later as a page supervisor at the Burtrum Woods branch, also in Shaker Heights. In later years she served as a classroom tutor and lunchroom supervisor, at Boulevard Elementary School where she touched the lives of countless students with her knowledge, kindness and encouragement. Again, with her keen eye for fashion Pat spent a good bit of time working in the upscale fashion boutique ‘Details’ on Shaker Square in Cleveland. The owner Janice Pace was a lifetime friend who Pat worked well enough with to continue their work relationship when Janice moved the boutique to Eton Place in Woodmere. Pat, who was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, cousin and cherished friend passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, in Shaker Heights, on Friday, December 20, 2025. Pat leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved husband of 45 years George; son, Toran Micheal; Step daughter, Gia Eaton-Broadway; granddaughters, Whitney, Angel Eaton, Isabele Eaton and Dayna Eaton; grandson, Robert Carlisle Eaton; her cousin that was always like an older sister, Maggie Gibbs; her special cousin, Carol Shavers; and a host of Oberlin, Georgia, Alabama and Florida cousins; along with many lifelong friends. 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Patricia Ellene Eaton

January 1, 1753