Patricia "Pat" Hathorn Newcomb

Patricia “Pat” Hathorn Newcomb, 75, of Long Beach died Sunday, January 9, 2022. She was born in San Antonio, TX but lived much of her youth in Hathorn, a small Mississippi town named for her family near Columbia. Pat was a long-time resident of Long Beach, MS, and a retired teacher.

Raised in a military family, Pat experienced life in various states and countries and enjoyed sharing special memories of several years lived in Japan before her family settled in Hathorn. These experiences served her well, as she was as comfortable in the country as she was in the city. She was cultured, had impeccable manners, was perfectly coiffed, and had an incredible sense of style—but she could rock a pair of cut-off blue jean shorts like no other.

After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Pat fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher. She absolutely loved to help children of all ages grow, learn, love, and reach their own dreams. She began her teaching career in Columbia, Mississippi, but soon stepped out of the working world to focus on being the best wife and mom ever. Once her children were raised, she continued her teaching career on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, retiring only a short time after Hurricane Katrina.

Pat ensured her home was full of love and laughter for her children, family, and friends. She had an unwavering faith in God, which enabled her to be the face of optimism, dignity, and grace throughout the trials and tribulations life presented, even in her death. Her sense of humor and endless kindness in every situation trickled down through the ranks of those around her, leaving all believing they truly were special, and that life was exceptionally good—the epitome of a real Southern Belle. However, her children are certain they are missing some hilarious stories of experiences she shared with many dear friends before she became a mother (and we are waiting for you all the share them with us now that she can’t stop you!).

She will be greatly missed by her daughters Barri Van Coulter, Laura Newcomb, and Elizabeth Lukes (Jon), and by her beloved bonus children she gained when she married Les, Honey Adams (Dave), Ben Newcomb (Nancy), and Dan Newcomb (Michelle), as well as fourteen grandchildren.

Visitation is Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Long Beach, 208 Pine Street, Long Beach, MS 39560. The funeral service is Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 10:30 am at First United Methodist Church in Long Beach, where friends may visit one hour before the service. Interment follows in Society Hill Cemetery in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to an organization Pat held close to her heart: Backpack Buddies of Long Beach sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Long Beach. www.TheWellLongBeach.org.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Newcomb family.