Dates
Patricia, affectionately known as Patsy, was born on August 17, 1938, to Woody and Gladys McCracken in Wichita Falls, Texas. She enjoyed her childhood there as the middle child, with older sister Peggy and younger brother Lowell.
After graduating from Midwestern State University in 1960, with a degree in Elementary Education—where she was recognized by ‘Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities,’ Patsy married her beloved “Tommy” on July 22, 1960. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family, sharing 63 devoted years of marriage until Tom’s passing in June 2024.
Patsy began her career teaching elementary school, helping support Tom as he completed his graduate studies. She paused her career to raise their three daughters, Leanna, Amy, and Laura. Once her daughters were in school, Patsy returned to teaching at a rural school ten miles from their home in Stephenville, Texas. There, she faithfully taught math to all students in grades K–6 each day at Huckabay ISD, earning a reputation for excellence in the classroom.
Patsy was involved in her daughters’ activities, especially during their years in scouting, as both a Girl Scout leader and a cookie sales chairman, always supporting and encouraging the girls.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Patsy and her family were active members of Harvey Baptist Church in Stephenville. Known for her love of children, Patsy faithfully cared for the church nursery, keeping it clean, organized, and welcoming.
In their retirement years, Patsy and Tom were active members of Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Hurst, Texas, for over 30 years and made many life long friends. Patsy volunteered in the food pantry, thrift store, and nursery; was an afterschool tutor for HEB ISD; and also served as a librarian aide at the Hurst Public Library.
Patsy had a gift for finding bargains, loved clearance sales and couponing, and rarely paid full price for anything. With her petite 4’10” frame and size 4 shoes, she embraced the challenge of finding stylish inexpensive clothes; sometimes even in the children’s department!
Patsy was known for her delicious, healthy cooking, especially her pot roast and cooking all desserts from scratch, while taking great pride in maintaining an immaculate and well-organized home. Patsy and Tom also shared a love of travel, enjoying trips across the U.S. and abroad to visit family and friends and to explore new places together. They also enjoyed visits with their many friends.
Patsy was gracious, conscientious, and a woman of strong Christian morals. She instilled in her daughters the values of hard work, stewardship, obedience, healthy living, and honesty —always guided by integrity and compassion for others. Patsy will be remembered for her quiet strength and enduring faith by all who knew and loved her.
With a life so faithfully lived in service to her family, her church, and her Lord, we trust she has now heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23
Preceding in her death are her husband, Tom, her parents, her sister Peggy, and brother Lowell.
Patsy is survived by daughter Leanna (Luke) McCollum, their 4 children; son Blake (Kristen), son Austin(Ragen), daughter Michelle(Townshend), daughter Jenna(Bryce) and 11 grandchildren; daughter Amy(Mark) Fisher, their 3 children; daughter Alyssa, son Will(Jacey), son Jake(Taneea) and 4 grandchildren; and daughter Laura(Shane) Lunceford, their 3 children; son Cliff(Tori), son Reece(Jessica), daughter Lexi and 2 grandchildren.
Service will be at Shady Oaks Baptist Church, 1336 Cavender Dr., Hurst, Texas on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11 am with lunch being served afterwards. She will be buried at Bourland Cemetery with her beloved Tommy.