Patsy Ann Gray, a beloved mother, grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away on May 24, 2026, at the Lynchburg Nursing Center at the age of 88. Services to honor her life will be held at 1 PM Friday, May 29, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Wiser officiating. Burial will follow in Stewart Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Friday from 11 AM until the time of the service.
Patsy was born on August 10, 1937, in Lincoln County, TN, to the late William Earl Sisk and Nannie Sue Richardson Sisk. She was a proud graduate of the Central High School Class of 1955. Passionate about learning, she went on to earn her degree in education from Berry College and later obtained her Master’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Patsy dedicated her professional life to shaping future generations. She began her teaching career at Vanntown School, followed by Flintville School, and finally Eighth District School. She truly loved molding young minds and treasured the joy, energy, and laughter of the classroom.
After her retirement, Patsy remained deeply connected to her community. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards with friends, and regularly meeting her high school classmates for lunch. She and her husband, Billy, stayed active for many years, thoroughly enjoying their daily “breakfast club” at the Patrick Rehab and Wellness Center, where the socializing was just as important as the exercise.
A woman of deep faith, Patsy was a lifelong member of the Molino Church of Christ until its closure, after which she became a faithful member of the Liberty Church of Christ. Above all else, Patsy loved her community, her lifelong friends, and her family.
Survivors include her daughters, Hope (Dan) DeJarnatt and Allison (Cory) Holder; grandchildren, Laura (Johnny) Stevens, Drew (Kathryn) Ivey, Austin Bagby, and Malachi Holder; great-grandchildren, Cooper Stevens, Hayden Ivey, Charlie Ivey, Rhett Ivey, Drew (Lexi) Stevens; and great-great-grandchildren, Bonnie and Teddy Stevens; as well as many extended family members.
In addition to her parents, Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Gene Gray; sisters, Jean Brooks, Louise Pitts Casey; and brothers, Allen, Robbie, and Tommy Sisk.
Memorial donations may be made to the Washington Street Church of Christ, Youth Camp Fund, PO Box 324, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
We at Higgins Funeral Home are privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Patsy Ann Gray.
I was so privileged to attend Central High School, and Berry College with Patsy, and she was exactly the kind, sweet, friendly, loving, hardworking lady that we just read about in these local messages.
Patsy was so much more than described here – Kay and I give our love and Christian concern to her family, friends, and all children whom she served so faithfully. Thank you, dear friend! 👏🙏😇
Allison & Cory: My sincere condolences to all of Mrs Gray’s family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mrs Gray was a very sweet lady and she always remembered me when we always chatted. I never was a student of her class, but she remembered my name every time we talked. Mrs Gray was a very nice lady with a beautiful smile! May God Be With Her Family during this difficult time! Prayers for all her family!
Ms Gray was my first teacher at Vann Town School. She was the standard by which I measured all other teachers. She was an exceptional teacher and a fine person. When I ran into her over the years, she always remembered me and had kind words to say. My deepest condolences to her loved ones.
Jane Kimbrough and I were in her class for sixth grade. She was a wonderful teacher. Unfortunately as I have grown older, I realize how much she Cared and how I should have been more receptive of all the things she taught us.
You never saw Mrs. Patsy that she wasn’t ready for a chat. She was always so nice to me and I loved her for that. Allison, Hope and families, i am thinking and praying for each of you during this time. Your Mother was a good lady and will be missed.
Sorry for your loss
Dear Hope and Family. We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Prayers for comfort. In Christian Love, Anthony & Kay Honey
Such a lovely lady. 💕
I remember when Ms Patsy and Mr Billy started dating while attending Molino. They were always laughing and upbeat. Ms Patsy was an encourager.
We loved Patsy so much. She ALWAYS had a smile and was always happy. The world will not be the same without her in it. We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of her wonderful family and friends. I am thankful to have known and loved her.
my prayers are with you and your family i,m so sorry for your loss
Such a wonderful Christian lady and good friend! I can’t remember not knowing Patsy. We will certainly miss her smiling face at Liberty and her great example. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hope and Dan, Allison and Cory, her grand and greats.and their families. Patsy loved all of you dearly! Our love in him, Bob and Wanda Williams
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Gray’s family. She was an amazing lady. God bless.
So sorry Hope, I grew up with this family. Mis Pastsy was my brother Buddy Ashby homebound teacher for many years. She was a wonderful childhood friend.
Margaret (Ashby) Selby
Ms Patsy was such a nice person. She always knew me each time I saw her and ask about my family. She taught my youngest daughter in school. She was a sweet lady. One of a kind. I think about Mr Billy and her often. He was a good man too. Praying for the family.
Always enjoyed seeing Patsy. So gracious and kind. Pray your wonderful memories will bring you comfort and peace
Hope, we are very sorry to hear about your Mother. Our deepest sympathy to you & your family.
I sure did love her. We first met as teacher and student at Vann Town school. Then in my adult years we were Christian sisters and worshiped together at Molino Church of Christ. We share life and many memories from the time my children were babies to adulthood.
So saddened to hear of Patsy’s passing. She IS at a better home now. My sincere condolences to the family with my prayers especially for Hope and Allison at this time of sorrow.
My condolences are with family. I love ya’ll so sorry for the loss🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
We send our sympathy to Patsy’s family. You will be in our thoughts in the coming days for comfort.
So sorry to hear this Patsy was a great lady she will be missed by her friends and family prayers for you all
Hope, Deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts.
With Love,
Christie and Jon Atkins
My Condolences To The Family On The Loss Of Mrs..Gray! She Was My Son’s Teacher.
I’m so sorry to hear of Ms. Patsy’s passing! I worked with her at Eighth District! Such a sweet lady!