COLLEAGUES, family and friends have paid tribute to Pat Witherspoon, who has died.
Former Councillor Pat Witherspoon was a 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.
During her time as a Councillor she also served as the Chair of the Council’s Licensing Committee, was a member of the Planning Committee, and served on the Executive Committee for some of the time as Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Tourism.
When she wasn’t on the Executive Committee, she was an active member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and took part in a number of scrutiny Task Group investigations into matters of interest to the local community, including support for the Voluntary and Community Sector.
Aside from politics, Pat was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Inspector, Richard Field said: “I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of Pat Witherspoon.
“I have known Pat since I was a child and I have so many fond memories of the love and support Pat has given to me over the years.
“Pat was always on the “lookout” for me during the early stages of my career and I will forever be grateful for the guidance, support and the very forthright feedback on occasions.
“I hold many fond memories of the chaos that Pat & Pattie Hill used to cause at local community events and our many conversations about Tenerife, Gin and curry of all things.
“Pat was a true servant to the Town, having been a local Councillor, Mayor, trustee at Batchley Support Group and the countless other projects to support this town. Pat will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege to meet her, may you forever rest in peace Pat.”
Coun Bill Hartnett said: “It is with the utmost sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the kindest, compassionate and loving woman I had the pleasure of knowing and working with.
“Pat Witherspoon spent most of her life caring for and helping people Pat served as a councillor on Redditch Council and was the Mayor of Redditch, even though Pat knew she was ill her thoughts were for others.
“I will miss you Pat, everyone who knew you will miss you . My thoughts and prayers are with john Lesley Evans Lara Payne and all the family. RIP Pat.”
