Patricia Ann (Houghton) Gastineau ("Pat"), 90, of Woodstock, Georgia, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 8, 2026. Throughout her life, she faithfully answered God's call with steadfast obedience and an unwavering commitment to serving Him.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Gene Gastineau; her grandson, David Gastineau; her parents, Marion and Marguerite Houghton; and her sister, Connie Duffy.

Pat is survived by her beloved brother, Al Houghton and his wife, Jayne; her son, Shan Gastineau, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Gastineau; her son, Michael Kem Gastineau; her daughter, Chelle Hawn Benson, and son-in-law, Shawn Benson; her cherished grandchildren, Dan Gastineau and his wife, Mandy; Mark Hawn; Bryan Hawn and his partner, Vlad; Joe Hawn and his wife, Kelly; Ben Hawn; Michael J. Gastineau; Hannah Gastineau; and McKenna Gastineau; her step-grandchildren, Brooke and Matt Hyland, Blake and Ashley Benson, and Addie Benson; and eight beautiful great-grandchildren.

Born in Kingston, Missouri, Pat excelled in school as a straight-A student while developing the nurturing spirit that would define her life, helping care for her home and her two younger siblings.

At the age of 14, Pat met the love of her life, Gene Gastineau, on a blind date for a fall festival hayride. They were married four years later and shared 69 wonderful years together, building a Christ-centered family, transforming the homes and properties they lovingly created, and faithfully serving the Lord side by side until Gene's passing in 2023.

At the age of 37, Pat dedicated her life to Jesus Christ and embraced God's call to intercessory prayer by founding Word of Love Ministries. For the next 40 years, she faithfully led governmental intercession, answering a divine calling that drew men and women from across the city to seek God's heart through prayer.

A gifted teacher of God's Word, respected leader, and humble servant of the Lord, Pat mentored and encouraged generations of believers through biblical teaching and the many prayer booklets she authored. Her wisdom flowed from countless hours spent in God's presence, and those who knew her were continually inspired by her quiet confidence, profound biblical insight, and unwavering dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Though entrusted with an extraordinary ministry, she never sought recognition, finding her greatest joy simply in being faithful to the One who had called her.

Pat's faith was equally evident in the way she lived each day. She possessed extraordinary creativity and an unmatched work ethic, delighting in restoring neglected antiques to beauty through her remarkable vision and craftsmanship. Whether tending gardens, laying brick patios, transforming the homes and properties she and Gene lovingly built together, sewing her own clothing, creating draperies and hand-stitched pillows, or preparing meals for those she loved, Pat did everything with excellence, generosity, and love. Her homemade apple pie became a treasured family tradition and the most requested dessert at holiday gatherings.

Pat dearly loved her family at Word of Love Ministries, and they loved her in return. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to her dear friends, A.C. and Ann Embrey, along with the faithful members of Word of Love Ministries, whose love, prayers, friendship, and unwavering support meant so much to Pat and to our entire family.

Earlier this year, surrounded by family and friends as she celebrated her 90th birthday, Pat concluded the gathering with words that perfectly reflected the way she lived her life:

"Go on an adventure with God. He won't disappoint, and it will be the best decision you'll ever make."

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in knowing she has now heard the words she longed for all her life:

"Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

After nearly three years apart, Pat is now joyfully reunited with the love of her life, Gene, in the presence of the Savior they faithfully served together.