Patricia Ann Herd

Patricia Ann Herd was born 2/25/39 to the late Martha and Emmett Lee, Sr. in Birmingham, Ala.
She is the second grandchild to the late Cherry and Jim Smiley. Because of WWII and the dire
need for the manufacturing of steel, the family moved to Pennsylvania where her father was
gainfully employed at the Edgar Thomson Steel Mill in Braddock, PA. Pat publicly displayed her
love for Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church in 1948. Years
later she would become a devoted member of Showers of Blessings Church where she
received the high honor of “Mother of the Church.” Pat attended Brinton Grammar School and
Hartman Jr. High. She briefly attended Westinghouse High School and ultimately received her
High School Diploma from Schenley Night School.

After graduation, Pat obtained a noteworthy opportunity by becoming employed at Lerner’s
clothing store, downtown Pgh. She was one of the first black females to be hired as an
Administrative Officer in the credit office at a time when the norm for black women was to be
employed in more subservient and subordinate positions.
Pat was united in holy matrimony to Henry R. Herd in 1960, and was the loving mother of Kim,
Gina, Kelli, John, and Lateef.
Pat attended Pgh. Jr. Achievement Job Program where she became a licensed
In Home Care Aid with one of her most beloved friends, Diane Ballaban. For many years this
enduring friendship and partnership provided excellent and exemplary care for elderly patients
including her own mother. Pat was undoubtedly instrumental in the restoration of her mother’s
health when she developed congestive heart failure.

Those who were touched by Pat understood that the quality of her life far exceeded the quantity
of days in which she lived. Pat possessed undeniable beauty in her youth, yet was never
conceited, and forever modest and humble. The depth of her love and the profound kindness
that she unconditionally demonstrated are unrivaled. She unselfishly opened her heart and her
home to any family member in need of a place to stay whenever life and the outside world
became too cold or difficult. She was the quintessential model of Christ by loving, helping and
giving. She dearly loved her church family and her Pastor, Gregory White. She devoted much
of her time and energy to preparing healthy and delicious fruit baskets for church events. She
immensely enjoyed helping her sister Neice, the First Lady plant flowers that brought much
beauty to the house of her Lord. She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching old movies.
Surprisingly, Pat was a staunch U.S. history expert and could cite facts, dates and events with
the acumen that rivaled any degree holding scholar. She knew how to give advice in a succinct
yet loving way and always with a dose of humor that suggested that life should not be taken too
seriously, and that it was ok to sometimes fail, but regroup and ‘get back out there’ and try
again.
Pat’s final days of this life were spent the way she lived all of her life - abiding in the presence of
her Lord and Savior and surrounded by the undying love of her family and friends.
Those who cherish her memory which transcends death include children: Kim (Mike), Gina,
Kellie, John,and Lateef; brothers: Emmett Lee,Jr. (Jacqueline, dec.), Cletus Lee, Cortez Lee,
and Marion Whitehead (dec. & Betty) Sisters: Blanche Lee (dec.), Deborah Whitehead,
Marquetta White (Gregory), Donna Smith, Cloie Lee, Mignon Lee, and Doretha Moody (dec, &
Clyde, dec.).one uncle, Thomas Smiley (affectionately known as Uncle Kid of Cleveland, Ohio))
and a host of grandchildren, one great grandchild, a multitude of cousins, other relatives and
friends.
 

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