Patricia Anne Colwell

Graveside funeral services for Patricia Anne Colwell, 77, of Knoxville, will be held
Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Union Chapel Cemetery near Albia. In lieu
of flowers, memorials will be designated at a later date and may be made in care of her
daughter, Holly Beth O’Neal.
Anne passed away on August 23, 2026, following a very long journey with Alzheimer’s
disease. Patricia was born December 17, 1948, to Frank and Hollys. She was raised in
Newton and Albia.
Anne married Billy Joe “Bill” Colwell on September 14, 1963. Together, Anne and Bill
raised their two children, Holly Beth and Billy Joe “Sonny” Jr., in Albia. They built a life
centered around family, fun, and simply enjoying their time together.
Anne's greatest joy came from being a grandmother. She treasured every minute she
could spend with her grandchildren and was always ready to join in the fun. The family
pool may have been put in for the grandchildren, but there was little doubt that Anne
enjoyed it just as much as they did. She loved to swim and loved having her family
gathered around her even more.
Anne was fun, spirited, and never left you wondering where she stood. She also had a
love of learning and continued taking college classes throughout the years simply
because she enjoyed gaining knowledge and challenging herself.
Anne and Bill were blessed with 53 years of marriage before his passing in October of
2016. The years that followed were difficult as Anne's Alzheimer’s progressed, but Anne
will be remembered for her spirited personality, her love of family, the fun she brought to
those around her, and all the good she shared throughout her life.
Anne was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; her son, Bill Jr. "Sonny";
and her granddaughter, Emily.
She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Holly Beth (Dan) O’Neal; her daughter-in-
law, Rose Colwell; grandchildren: Krista (Tom) Smith, Lane (Haley) Colwell, Kelsey
(Jon) Luran, and Alex O’Neal; great-grandchildren: Reece, Kamryn, and Haisley;
siblings: Shorty Douglas, Don (Carolyn) Little, Dave (Jo) Little, and Mary Penny; along
with many other relatives and friends.