Kentucky Loses Clinical Social Work Pioneer with Passing of Pat Wellons

Author:  Janet Doss, KSCSW Board Member
The clinical social workers of Kentucky lost a pioneer in our community when Pat Wellons passed away on Saturday, April 7. Pat was one of a handful of social workers who worked diligently in the early 1980s to have legislation passed that established licensure criteria for clinical social work and other professional disciplines. During her 45 years in Kentucky, she was active in KCSSW, the Kentucky chapter of NASW, and other national clinical social work organizations.

​Pat practiced social work in California and Arizona before moving to Lexington in 1973. She received her LCSW in 1975 and entered private practice in 1977. Over the years she supervised many social workers as they worked to develop their clinical skills. Pat was a lifelong progressive and tireless advocate for the rights of minorities, women and children, and those suffering from mental illness. In her free time, Pat loved to travel, spend time with friends, and relax at her condo in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She also loved to spend time with her family, especially her son, Bradley, and her grandson, Jackson.

Pat made an impact on countless Kentucky clinical social workers, both professionally and personally, and she will be missed by many. Those whose lives Pat touched are invited to a memorial service for her on Saturday, April 14. The service, which will begin at 10 a.m., will take place at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Lexington. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 13, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the downtown Lexington location of Milward Funeral Directors, 159 North Broadway.

To learn more about this inspiring clinician and her varied contributions to our profession and the citizens of Kentucky, please read her obituary.