Patricia A. Wyatt, 76, was born to her adoring parents Dewitt Smallwood and Georgian Margaret Boyd in White Plains, New York on February 23, 1941 (you could never forget the birth date, but feel free to forget the birth year). She remained thirty-nine years old until she departed this earthly life on May 24, 2017. She described her childhood as one of fun filled days singing, dancing, entering and winning talent shows, as well as bugging her older brother, 'Woody' Smallwood and spoiling her younger brother, Jimmy Smallwood while living on Harlow Street in Buffalo, New York. She grew up in the church that her father founded, Faith Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York. At an early age she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was a member of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church and more recently, the Unity Village Church in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Patricia worked as a clerk at the Dexter's Drugstore in Buffalo, New York while attending Lafayette High School, but had plans to further her education by attending nursing school. In 1963 she came to Kansas City at a segregated time to attend Kansas City General Hospital and Medical School of Nursing, currently Truman Medical Center. Her first nursing position was at Research Medical Center, where she later learned that she was the first minority nurse at the hospital. Patricia later served on the board of Research Medical Center and the board of the Research School of Nursing. She never bragged about this achievement, but it strengthened her resolve to recruit healthcare talent of all backgrounds. Patricia believed in the 'Power of Diversity'. She always reminded anyone she would meet that they are only bound by the limitations they place on themselves. She had several achievements in her life which will , but her greatest accomplishment was her family. She met a handsome fellow who her brother introduced her to and she later ran into again in Kansas City while he was playing professional baseball, John Wyatt. They dated and they married in June 1965. This union brought three children into the world, Kevin (1964), Terrance (1968) and Angelique (1970). While her greatest gifts were her children, Patricia enjoyed to learn and be challenged. So while working as a nurse and giving a speech at a Healthcare Symposium, her talents were noticed by an executive with Westin Crown Center Hotel and she was offered a Sales Position. She was making history again by becoming one of the first minorities to be a Top Sales Producer for the hotel management company. She spent nineteen years in sales and worked hard to excel and meet her goals. She was promoted to Director of Sales/Public Relations and this experience allowed her to travel to almost every state in the country. She spoke fondly of the friendships she made during this period in her life. In 1994, Patricia wanted a new challenge and returned to nursing by leading the Community Home Health Agency which sparked a greater passion for her to work with the frail and elderly. In 1998, she joined Swope Ridge Geriatric Center as the President/CEO/Administrator. This became her life's passion. She enjoyed spending time and learning the stories of her residents and staff while providing top quality healthcare and strong leadership.' One of Patricia's greatest assets was her love of others and belief in selfless service. Patricia loved and lived life with the grace and dignity of an angel on earth. She wanted to see others establish and accomplish their goals with 'NO EXCUSES'. Patricia has inspired hundreds and motivated countless to 'MAKE EACH DAY COUNT'. Everyday of Patricia's life mattered, because she was serving the Lord by serving others. She was a life force that touched so many, until her time on earth was done and God came to get his good and faithful servant. Patricia left this world running and holding on to God's unchanging hand. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She leaves to cherish her memory: three children, Kevin Wyatt (Carla), Dr. Terrance Wyatt and Angelique Wyatt-Burns (Chris); her loving grandchildren, Austan Wyatt (Amber), Aaron Wyatt, Elisa Wyatt, Nathan Wyatt, Danita Rembert (Reginald), Kevin Wyatt (Victoria), Christian Wyatt, Timothy Wyatt, Joshua Wyatt, Brenenna Wyatt, Victoria McDonald and Jessica McDonald; great grandchildren, Hope Rembert, Emma Wyatt, Sanaya Wyatt and Sienna Wyatt; a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 31, 11:00 a.m. at Banister Road Baptist Church. Interment Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.