Patricia Southall: Life, Career, And Advocacy

Patricia Southall is an American author, activist, and philanthropist whose public footprint spans journalism, pageant stages, and community leadership. Rising to prominence as Miss Virginia USA in 1994 and finishing as the first runner-up in the national Miss USA pageant, she transitioned her early visibility into a sustained career focused on public advocacy, nonprofit administration, and empowerment initiatives.

Understanding her trajectory requires looking past surface-level celebrity headlines to examine her foundational roots in Virginia, her contributions to youth and women's programming, and her evolution as a prominent voice in social advocacy.

Early Life and Journalism Roots

Born on December 17, 1970, in Chesapeake, Virginia, Patricia Annette Southall grew up with a twin sister, Pam, raised by parents Henry and Mildred Southall. Her early years involved a strong work ethic, balancing family responsibilities with academic ambitions.

She attended Western Branch High School before enrolling at James Madison University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism. This educational foundation shaped her early career path. Before entering national pageantry, she worked in public service, including a role within the media office of Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder.

Pageant Success and Media Transition

In 1993, Southall won the Miss Virginia USA title, earning the opportunity to represent her state at the national level. At the 1994 Miss USA pageant, she secured first runner-up honors, an achievement that brought considerable media attention.

Rather than fading from public view after her reign, she leveraged her communications background to explore television production, event hosting, and minor acting roles. Her media career introduced her to broader public platforms, allowing her to establish networks that would later support her philanthropic endeavors.

Philanthropy and Social Advocacy

Southall's defining professional contributions center on community building and support systems for underserved groups. Over the decades, she directed her energy toward structural philanthropy rather than intermittent charity work.

Treasure You

Southall founded Treasure You, a nonprofit organization designed to support, encourage, and uplift women who have faced extraordinary hardships, including financial distress, personal loss, or health crises. The organization hosts retreats, workshops, and community outreach programs to help women rebuild their self-esteem and find community support.

Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities

Co-founded alongside her former husband, NFL Hall of Running Back Emmitt Smith, the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities (PESC) focuses on funding and running educational and enrichment opportunities for underserved youth. The foundation has distributed substantial grants to various community organizations, emphasizing mentorship, academic readiness, and healthy lifestyle choices. For her work through these initiatives, Southall has received recognition from organizations such as the Trumpet Awards Foundation.

Personal Life in the Public Sphere

Because of her high-profile marriages, Southall's personal life has frequently intersected with popular culture.

• First Marriage: She married actor and comedian Martin Lawrence in 1995. The couple welcomed a daughter, Jasmin Page Lawrence, in 1996, before divorcing in 1997. Southall later documented elements of personal resilience following this period in her writing.
• Second Marriage: In April 2000, she married former Dallas Cowboys star Emmitt Smith. Together, they raised a blended family sharing three children: Emmitt James Smith IV, Skylar, and Elijah. The couple announced their amicable separation and divorce in 2020 after two decades of marriage.

Navigating high-profile relationships under intense media scrutiny pushed Southall to sharpen her focus on personal autonomy, mental health advocacy, and independent entrepreneurship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Patricia Southall study in college?

She graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, which informed her early work in political communications and public relations.

What is Treasure You?

Treasure You is a nonprofit foundation established by Southall to mentor and provide financial and emotional support resources to women navigating major life challenges.

How many children does Patricia Southall have?

She is a mother of four children: Jasmin Page Lawrence from her first marriage, and Emmitt James IV, Skylar, and Elijah with Emmitt Smith.

What awards has Patricia Southall received for her philanthropy?

Her charitable organizations, notably Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, have received honors from prominent civic institutions, including recognition at the Trumpet Awards for youth development and community service.