Patricia Kay (Pat) Dystant, 85, of Chapel Hill, NC, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 4, after a short battle with lung cancer.  She passed unexpectedly, from complications of treatment.  Pat was born on February 3, 1939, in Warren, Ohio, to Thomas James Scanlon and Edith Elizabeth Hughes.

On November 28, 1959, Pat married the love of her life, David Wm. Dystant, in Washington, DC.  Pat was employed by the US Army while Dave was enlisted.  Pat was devoted to supporting her husband’s endeavors in business, politics, and Kiwanis until his death on October 3, 1998.

Pat worked as a typist for court reporters while raising her family. Known for her speed and accuracy, she was often requested for high profile cases.  Typing transcribed legal proceedings gave her a treasure trove of great stories to tell!  She particularly enjoyed sharing the story about the wife who was suing a hospital for the wrongful death of her husband.  When the wife was asked by the Defense what her husband was hospitalized for, she replied, “I shot him!”

She moved from Michigan to North Carolina in 2007 to be near her daughter’s family.  Caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren filled her with joy!  Pat loved to paint for and with them and sew costumes for their theatrical performances.  She was their biggest fan!

Time with Grandma was always eventful and her grandchildren could not wait to tattle on her.  Her antics have become family lore and never fail to bring a smile and laughter when the stories are retold!  Moreover, Pat was never afraid to laugh at herself; one of her most endearing qualities.

Pat worshiped at Calvary Chapel at Timberlyne Plaza in Chapel Hill, since moving to NC.  Her faith informed how she lived. She was truly an Unsung Hero as she served her family, her church, and her friends, selflessly.  Pat absolutely delighted in asking everyone she met if they, “knew Jesus!”  Without a doubt, Jesus delighted in her.

While Pat tragically buried her first born and last born, Roberta Lee (Dystant) Dixon, and David Scott (Scottie) Dystant; her beloved husband, David; beloved sisters, Marilyn (Carole) Rodgers, and Judith Ann Barnhart; brother, John Michael (Mickey) Scanlon; along with nephews and nieces; she remained faithful.

She is survived by her daughter, Dana (Dystant) Senior; her grandchildren: Rebecca Lee Kelley (Christopher Gene), Benjamin Wm. Senior, Grace Catherine Senior, Anna Kay Greenwood (Kenneth “Brayden”); her great-grandchildren: Matilda Rose Kelley, David Ameer Kelley, and Charlotte Ann (Lottie) Greenwood.  She is also survived by her dearest friend of 80 years, Judy (Pelton) Scobey, of Hudsonville, MI.

2 Timothy 4:5-7
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelical, fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith.

Pat, Grandma, Great One, leaves a legacy of eternal value to her family as well as those who knew her.  A Celebration of Her Life will  be held at Chapel Hill Bible Church on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 4pm.  A reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres will immediately follow the service.

Chapel Hill Bible Church
260 Erwin Rd.
Chapel Hill, NC
27514
(919)408-0310