A FORMER Mayor of Redditch, borough councillor and ‘special lady’ was laid to rest at a packed St Stephens Church today.
Pat Witherspoon’s family and friends were in attendance to pay their last respects, as were many of her colleagues.
The congregation was flowing out of the pews, as so many people came to pay tribute to Pat.
Pat leaves behind her husband John, her daughter Lesley and her grandchildren.
Her granddaughters, Lara Payne and Hannah Evans paid tribute to their ‘Nana Moon’.
Lara said: ” I sat with my nan whilst she passed away, not only was she my lovely Nana Moon but my naughty best friend.
“I hope that I can be as cool as she was at 81 – I will always remember her lovely blue eyes, her love for Gin, her terrible driving, both car and mobility scooter, love for travel, the love for her red hoodie and love for the Shahi palace.
“She also loved The Queens Head, The Labour Party and most of all the love for her family.
“She was bossy and courageous and had a potty mouth, and I will miss her dearly.”
Pat was a Borough councillor from May 2012 until May 2019 and she represented Church Hill ward on behalf of the Labour Party.
She was Mayor of the Borough of Redditch from May 2014 to May 2015.
May of her colleagues from either side of the political spectrum turned out to pay their respects including current Mayor, Coun Ann Isherwood.
Coun Isherwood said: “Remembering Pat Witherspoon today as I wear the chain that she once wore.
“She was such a great support to me – I first met Pat at a Church Hill Big Local (CHBL) meeting and first spoke to her at the showing of Bohemian Rhapsody at a CHBL cinema night.
“Pat congratulated me when I won my seat in 2019, I promised her that I would look after Church Hill Ward to the best of my ability
“She personally thanked me the last time we met up at the Local Redditch History Museum.
“Pat always showed me great kindness especially when I became Deputy and now Mayor – a true demonstration of professionalism.
“Rest in Peace Pat and will see you on the other side.”
At Pat’s request, the congregation were not to wear black, instead colourful attire.
The pews were awash with her signature red, with her husband John sporting a red bowtie.
Donations can be made in the memory of Pat to the West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Charity and St Stephen’s Church.
