The heavenly gates opened and Patricia Ann Idley passed away August 24, 2024, after a long illness.  She was born September 4, 1947, to the late Joseph and Katie Thomas.  She was the youngest girl of six children.

A proud lifelong member of the Akron community, she graduated from John R. Buchtel High School, and pursued further studies at Ohio State University.  She was a long-time employee of the United Postal Service, retiring in management as a Machine Design Analyst with 35 years of service.

Later she was united in marriage to Joseph Idley and to this union five children were born.  Patricia confessed Christ at a young age and was a faithful member of Providence Baptist Church until her illness.

Patricia was a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star where she served in several houses: Past Worthy Matron of Phoenix Chapter #96, Past illustrious Commandress Al Kaf Court #144, member of El Zerabbabel CT #5. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Grandmother’s Club, where she contributed generously to her local community.

Affectionately known as “Patty”, she was renowned for her warm heart and unwavering love for her family and friends.  She loved “adopting” children. Her passions included traveling the world, playing cards, savoring crab legs, solving puzzles, collecting elephants, and above all, spending precious moments with her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by husband, Joseph Idley; parents, Joseph and Katie Thomas; sisters, Joanne Sutton and Cheyenne Dickens; brother, Cecil Thomas; granddaughters, Nina and Chianti Idley.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories through her children: sons, Shawn and Marcus Idley, Joe Idley and Thomas (Crystal) Idley; daughter, Felicia (Jamil) France, all from Akron, OH; brothers, Walter (Kay) Thomas off Charlotte, NC and Danny (Marina) Thomas of San Diego, CA; 13 grandchildren; special cousins, Dionne Grant and Mary Brown; close friends, Ruby Garrett, Ann Thomas and Fannie Lamb; and a host of niece, nephews, relatives and friends.

Patricia ‘s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing her.  Her life was a testament to love, kindness and dedication, and she will be profoundly missed.