Patricia Medlin

On November 10, 2020, Patricia Kirby Medlin left this earth on her next adventure.

Patricia was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to Fred and Mildred Kirby. Her father was an entertainer on radio, tv and performed as the Marshal, who fought off Indians raiding the train, at the Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock.   Patricia began her solo singing career by performing with her father. She left North Carolina in 1960 and began what she likes to call an "adventure in learning".

Patricia married Major General Lloyd H. Gomes (deceased 1998), becoming an Army military wife, living in various States (from the East to the West Coast) and abroad.  They moved often, affording her the opportunity to explore different cultures and enriching experiences, including learning to jump horses with King Constantine in Greece.

Upon returning to the States in 1969, she settled in Arizona, where she met and married Glenn Medlin (deceased 2009). There, she began writing a weekly column for the local newspaper (in addition to monthly articles for various magazines). She learned to fly and became a bass fishing guide. Years passed and she began to miss North Carolina, so they moved permanently to Maggie Valley, North Carolina in 1992.   In 1998, she authored a book about her father, "Fred Kirby, a Tribute".

Glenn came from a ranching family in Nevada, where the two often visited. This opened another world for Patricia, as she loved hunting, on horseback or jeep, on the Medlin ranch. Of the nine Medlin children, only three are surviving:  Kathy, Teeny, and Steve.  Steve is married to Glenda, who Patricia said was a perfect, amazing cowboys’ wife.

Patricia’s family included two sisters, Evon Ammons and Dianne Robinson (deceased 2012). Patricia is survived by her beautiful and talented daughters, Debbie Deaton Morris and Cindy Gomes Broadhead; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren; Devin Thompson, and his two children, Lily and Colin; Deanna Corby (who loves horses); Julie Thrasher, and her son, Luke, Wendy Lerma, and her two children, Sophia and Madison; Patricia’s nieces, Becky Foxx and Peggy Mahnken. Patricia's adopted son, Mark Gomes, and his two children, Summer and Zach.

Patricia wanted to thank her wonderful family for all their loving kindness, concern and compassion, even on those days that didn’t go so well, and remind you that "love never dies".

A celebration of Patricia's life will be held at the Medlin Ranch in Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ASPCA at www.secure.aspca.org.