Patricia Paxson, age 80 of Smyrna, Tennessee, formerly of Buffalo, New York died Tuesday at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was a daughter of the late Robert and Ann Smith and was a 1997 retiree of Verizon after 32 years of service.

Survivors include sons, Mike Paxson and wife Elizabeth of Smyrna, Mark Paxson and wife Connie of Matthews, North Carolina, Matthew Paxson and wife Chyra of Costa Mesa, California; and a daughter, Michelle Paxson of Smyrna; sisters, Diane Laskowski of Cheektowaga, New York, Roberta Backode of Romeoville, Illinois; and a brother, Robert Smith and wife Susan of Greensboro, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and ten great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna and an online guestbook is available at www.woodfinchapel.com