Patricia S. McEwen

Patricia “Tricia ” Simmons McEwen, 94, died on Friday, November 22, 2024, after a long, and fulfilling life. Mrs. McEwen was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on

January 27, 1930, to Dr. Henry Clura Simmons and Maudie Wilkins Simmons. After graduating from Brookhaven High School, she attended Mississippi College where she received her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a double minor in business and education. In 1975, Mrs. McEwen attended Mississippi State University and received her master’s of education degree in guidance education. Patricia Simmons married Dr. Cecil Ray McEwen, Jr. on June 21, 1952, in Brookhaven. The couple resided in New Orleans while Ray completed his pediatric medical residency at Charity Hospital. They moved to Columbus, Mississippi, in 1955, where Dr. McEwen set up his practice and they raised their family of three, Steve, Marcia, and Joyce.

Mrs. McEwen devoted countless volunteer hours in her community. She actively participated in and supported her children’s various activities by serving on the PTA at Demonstration School and Boy Scout Troop 3. Mrs. McEwen was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbus for over 70 years. She was active in the Baptist Student Union, taught high school and college Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Woman’s Missionary Union, and the youth ministry. Her dedication to her church was a reflection of her deep love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She served as ball chairman for the Junior Auxiliary of Columbus where she was a life member. Tricia was a member of the Four Seasons Garden Club, where she served as president, and The Sewing Club. Word has it, “The Sewing Group” rarely sewed but was more of a time of fellowship for sharing coffee and lunch together. She also served on the Board of Bethany Christian Services. Tricia served as a member of the The Lowndes County Medical Alliance. She enjoyed being a host family for exchange students attending Mississippi State College for Women and supporting Palmer Home.

Mrs. McEwen was known as “Mama Tish” to her grandchildren, family and friends. Mama Tish was adored by her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending all her grandchildren’s sporting games, dance recitals, and show choir events. Mama Tish loved her family and friends dearly. She enjoyed group family camping trips, boating and traveling with her family and friends. Mama Tish loved hosting family holidays and always had special snacks for all. Nothing made her happier than to have her family together. She will be remembered by all for her famous saying, “It is what it is, when it is, where it is and why it is”.

Mrs. McEwen is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dr. Cecil Ray McEwen, Jr. She is survived by her son, Steven Ray McEwen(Marion) of Columbus; daughter Marcia McEwen Thatcher(Walter) of Columbus; daughter Joyce McEwen Plunkett(Bruce) of Madison; grandchildren Joshua Steven McEwen(Delise), Jonathan Ray McEwen, George McEwen Thatcher(McKenzie), Mark Wilkins Thatcher(Mallory), Emily Plunkett Berryhill(Cody), and Jackson Ray Plunkett; great grandchildren, Brahm McEwen, Ephraim McEwen, Cyrus McEwen, Wilkes Thatcher and Mattie Thatcher.

We would like to give special thanks to our mother’s caregivers; Brenda Humphries, Jackie Jackson, Jackie Brewer, Kim Brown, Sara Thomas and Cassie Neal who were dedicated to making sure Mama Tish was well cared for the past few years.

Visitation will be from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm at Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. at Friendship Cemetery with Dr. Bobby Douglas officiating. Pallbearers will be Joshua McEwen, Jonathan McEwen, Mac Thatcher, Mark Thatcher, Jackson Plunkett and Cody Berryhill.

The family requests that memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen for the cure of breast cancer, Alzheimer’s Association, Mississippi Chapter or the church or charity of your choice.