Patricia Rae Quinn (Patty) Tuite, of Columbia, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 19, 2015. She is survived by her husband, Andrew Matthew Tuite, Jr., to whom she was happily married for 56 years. She was born in Columbia, the daughter of the late William Ray and Geneva Heniford Quinn. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Patricia Rae Quinn (Patty) Tuite will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 11:00 AM, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC. Dr. Bradley D. Smith and the Rev. Lynn S. Grandsire will be officiating the service. Family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Adult Reception Hall.

Patty was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. No words will adequately express how she will be missed and remembered by those that knew and loved her.

She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa Quinn Tuite Newman and Dr. R. Mitchell Newman, Jr. of Columbia. Jeanne Elizabeth Tuite Michaels and Mr. Jon Charles Michaels of Lexington; Patricia Courtney Quinn Tuite Wheeler and Mr. Paul Richard Wheeler of Sky Valley, GA; grandchildren, Quinn, Braxton and Davis Newman, Jennings Michaels and Reid, Drew and Wray Wheeler. Patty is survived by two brothers and sister-in-law, Mr. Michael Heniford Quinn and his wife Blanche of Columbia, Mr. Timothy Gene Quinn and his wife, Rose Marie of Columbia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

Patty attended Loris High School, Winthrop College and was a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She was a devoted and well respected educator, who continued taking graduate classes to obtain her Masters of Education. She developed the education program for Palmetto Richland Children's Hospital. As director, she implemented programs in all pediatric areas including oncology. Patty was a faithful and longtime member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. She served as a church deacon and attended the Solid Rock Sunday School Class. Her church involvements were numerous and varied.

Patty was active in the Historic Columbia Foundation, Spring Valley High School College Program and several civic and charitable organizations. She was actively involved in the Columbia Study Club, a book club, bridge club and weekly Bible studies. Previously, she was Chairperson of the First Lady Cookbook Luncheon for the Cancer Society, served on the Wildewood Swim Team Board. She was a member of the Association for the Care of Children's Health, Chairperson of Youth Sunday School (Jr. and Sr. High School 1989), Youth Board Search Committee for Youth Director (1986), and College Program Coordinator Spring Valley High School.

Patty loved attending USC football games, reading, spending time with family, going to antique auctions, time at the beach and with her friends. She was a regular traveler and her favorite trips were an African Safari and a trip to the Amazon. She walked the Great Wall of China, travelled all of Europe and Russia and recently she participated in a trip to the Holy Land with her church.

Patty's life served as a spiritual witness of her faith in Jesus Christ. The testimony of her faith showed in every aspect of her daily life and she touched the lives of all who knew her. Her strong faith, love of life, quick smile, positive attitude, devotion to family and strong work ethic are a legacy that she leaves for us all.

In lieu of flowers the family would suggest gifts be made to Thornwell Home for Children, 302 S. Broad St, Clinton, SC 29325 or Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC.